‘OK, talk, but don’t make any sound!’: Philippe Gaulier’s illustrious students on his clowning glory

Comedians, theatre-makers and actors including Rachel Weisz, Sally Phillips and Simon Munnery recall the late teacher’s alarming lessonsPhilippe Gaulier, clown guru, dies aged 82Louise Brealey Continue reading…

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‘Oh my God, what a brutal existence!’ Haley McGee on her global hit about growing old (and white pubic hair)

The Canadian performer visited hospices, mystics and cemeteries to research Age Is a Feeling. The show, which has now been performed in 10 languages, has reduced men in their 70s to tearsIt is the summer of 2024 and Haley McGee is performing Age Is a F…

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Josh Sharp: ta-da! review – 2,000 slides and one ‘weenie massage’ in a show that’s big on laughs

Soho theatre, LondonThe former child magician from New York combines PowerPoint and personal trauma in an off-Broadway import that packs a considerable punchTwo species of modern standup jostle for pre-eminence in Josh Sharp’s hit off-Broadway import t…

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Tutu review – cheeky tribute to ballet has a disco Swan Lake and the Dirty Dancing lift

Sadler’s Wells East, LondonThe all-male French troupe Chicos Mambo mix parody and pointework in a fast-paced comic celebration of dance’s high art and sillier sideWhen the curtain goes up here in east London, just across town there’s another opening ni…

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‘Utterly hilarious’: Simon McBurney on how the great clown Philippe Gaulier changed his life

The Complicité founder remembers his teacher’s wicked laughter, provocative demands and infinite generosity• Philippe Gaulier dies aged 82Many speak of a teacher in their childhood who changed them, someone who reveals knowledge about the world they ca…

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Comedians pick on me for my loud laugh – but nothing will make me stop | Jane Howard

It’s the part of myself I’m most frequently embarrassed by – but as comedy festival season approaches, I’m prepared for the worstI thought Daniel Kitson was just about ready to kick me out of the comedy room. He had already picked on me several times …

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Philippe Gaulier had a huge impact on theatre – but his ‘embrace the ridiculous’ lesson is one for us all

The master clown helped generations of performers be more alive in the moment – and not take themselves too seriously. His teachings were for life as well as the stage• Philippe Gaulier, clown guru and mentor to theatre and comedy greats, dies aged 82W…

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Philippe Gaulier had a huge impact on theatre – but his ‘embrace the ridiculous’ lesson is one for us all

The master clown helped generations of performers be more alive in the moment – and not take themselves too seriously. His teachings were for life as well as the stage• Philippe Gaulier, clown guru and mentor to theatre and comedy greats, dies aged 82W…

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Philippe Gaulier, clown guru and mentor to theatre and comedy greats, dies aged 82

Teacher who ran school outside Paris was a formative influence on generations of comedians and actors including Helena Bonham Carter and Emma ThompsonMaster clown Philippe Gaulier, the influential founder of France’s École Philippe Gaulier, has died ag…

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Philippe Gaulier, clown guru and mentor to theatre and comedy greats, dies aged 82

Teacher who ran school outside Paris was a formative influence on generations of comedians and actors including Helena Bonham Carter and Emma ThompsonMaster clown Philippe Gaulier, the influential founder of France’s École Philippe Gaulier, has died ag…

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