THE SHOW

A queer clown comedy about red noses, big dreams, and even bigger handkerchiefs.

Buddy and Dorothy are best friends and birthday clowns. Life is all balloon animals and slapstick joy—until Buddy decides he wants to break into “serious” theatre. Wigs hit the fan as he collides with an industry that isn’t quite ready for red-nosed dreamers with oversized shoes and even bigger ambitions.

Blending physical theatre, devised comedy, and clowning chaos, On the Nose explores queerness, friendship, and what it means to take up space in a world that doesn’t always leave room for difference. It’s anarchic, heartfelt, and packed with pratfalls -Whether you’re a theatre nerd, a clown enthusiast, or simply someone who’s ever felt a little bit “too much,” this show is for you.

PREVIOUS PERFORMANCES:

The Courtyard Theatre - 12.08.25 - 15.08.25

Riverside Studios - 26.03.25 - 03.03.25

The Theatre Studio, Rose Bruford - 20.09.24

THE JOURNEY

On the Nose began its life as part of writer-performer Jonah Fried’s final MFA project at Rose Bruford College, where the first seeds of Buddy and Dorothy’s clown chaos were planted. From there, the show was selected for a scratch night at Riverside Studios, where it received its first taste of audience laughter (and a few tears too).

That initial sharing sparked a wave of energy and support, and the piece was invited back to Riverside for a Work-in-Progress performance in early 2025. With direction by Izzy Ponsford and performances from Jonah and Catherine Clay, the show took its first big steps toward becoming the joyful, messy, heart-filled comedy it is now.

The response to the WIP was full of warmth—audience members praised it as “a gift of a show,” “heartwarming and hilarious,” and “equally poignant and fun.” That encouragement helped drive the next stage of development, as we worked to expand and tighten the piece for a full run.

Now, On the Nose is heading to Camden Fringe 2025 for a four-show run at The Courtyard Theatre. This marks a new chapter, and we’re thrilled to bring the show to wider audiences, continue evolving it, and share its big-hearted clown energy with the world.

THE TEAM

Jonah Fried – Writer & Performer

Izzy Ponsford – Director + Producer

Catherine Clay – Performer

Haley Sliker - Tech Manager

Reviews

Next Steps

We’re developing On the Nose as a small-scale touring piece that travels with a built-in community strand. At each stop we’ll run relaxed clown labs with local LGBTQ+ groups and early-career artists, offer pay-what-you-can tickets and free places, and host post-show circles so audiences can talk back into the work. We’re hoping to partner with community centres, queer venues and festivals to keep the room truly mixed—friends, allies, and anyone who’s been told they’re “too much.” D

Within queer theatre, the piece insists that joy and mess are not distractions but forms of resistance: it plays with the pressures of respectability, honours chosen family, and makes space for bodies/voices that don’t shrink to fit. The aim isn’t just laughs (though there are plenty); it’s to leave people feeling seen, held, and a little braver about taking up space together.