washed up clown monologue

hi there im doing drama for my HSC and am currently redrafting my monologue for my major work. My character is a washed up clown and im thinking of telling the story of his downfall....does anyone have any good tips or ideas for this type of character and where you would go with this type of monologue...also do any plays or texts come to mind when thinking of a washed up clown thanks ever so much in advance for any help

Hello Samboy, I'm often attracted to the idea of playing against narrative in situations like this. Obviously I have no idea what the text or scene of this monologue is. Does this clown character know he is 'washed up?' If not, it may be interesting to have him on stage 'getting ready' to go and perform while he chats to the audience, unaware that he is a spent force and that no-one is booking him for work anymore - including today. Clowns often appeal to our psyche because they are raw examples of the human condition. Vulnerable, joyous, innocent and flawed. Allowing these qualities to shine through will invite a wonderful, heartfelt engagement from most audiences. Hope this helps, Tulipa.

thanks Tulipa, what a great idea!! that really helps and gives me somewhere else to go with my monologue. Im definately going to incorporate this getting ready stage somehow into the play thanks again

You should read/see Scaramouche Jones and there's also an episode of Mrs Bradley's Mysteries (starring Diana Rigg) which is set around a travelling circus in which there's a clown on the decline. G'luck.

thanks very much Walter, i imagine Scaramouche Jones is a play or book turned into a movie? 'edit' ignore my ignorance i did a quick bit of research on scaramouche jones haha

It's abit dated now but you could read "The Entertainer" by John Osborne Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au