The Farmer and the Clown is the story of an old farmer who, one day, discovers a baby clown who’s fallen off the circus train. He takes the clown in and together they build a sweet bond that teaches the farmer how to be playful again.

The show is entirely non-verbal, with only three actors onstage (the farmer, the clown, and a musician) and a simple, stripped-back set. There is extensive use of puppetry and mime to bring the simple world of the story to life - the chickens, the cows, the memories of the circus - and a rich soundscape blending recorded audio and live performance. All these story elements were inventively used and lovingly done. The use of mime for so much of the storytelling meant that when the simplest “real” prop was used (a chicken, a pancake, a toy train) they created real delight. The acting was delightful, with all three of the cast developing a clearly recognisable energy and a fun and inclusive stage presence.

The show was suitable for all ages - my 3-year-old daughter was entranced, and I heard much older children exclaiming delightedly over the set and story. It would be a great choice if you have a few different age ranges to keep happy, from babies up to grandparents. However the dreamy pacing was difficult to sustain all the way through, and at an hour, this felt too long for a play of its type - the younger children started to drift at 45 minutes, and particularly without voices or an interactive element, it became a struggle to keep them still toward the very end - this isn’t a problem for older children, but is worth bearing in mind if you’re intending to bring a high-energy toddler.

Overall, this sweet play offered a satisfying hour of dreamy escapism for adults and children to share.