Winning:Winning

Something special about Clown shows is the way each performer connects with their audience. Some achieve this through the grotesque, others through music and dance. Select clowns might go a different route, innocent and unaware of the reprecussions from their actions, elliciting immediate empathy from those sitting in the audience, laughing at the antics unfolding on stage. Just when you think you've seen it all, there comes a show that will connect with audiences on a much more unique, more personal level. Winning:Winning is one of these shows.

Gordon Neill has created a beautifully executed show exploring themes of love, acceptance, and one's own faults, all through the innocent eyes of a singular Clown. The stage is full when Neill stands alone with his cone, unitard, and yellow gloves (see poster below). Gordon's musical talent is displayed at multiple points throughout the show, each time there's a look in his eye suggesting he knows exactly what he's doing and also loves performing the musical bits for an audience. These musical moments are the perfect segway between the comedic and emotional scenes that make up Winning:Winning.

Winning:Winning has so much of Gordon in it, it's hard to decipher fact from fiction. This tactic truly works for Gordon as a performer; I've had the pleasure of working with Gordon at his clown theatre in Toronto (check out Sweet Action Theatre). Not only is Gordon a talented and patient teacher, he is also one of the kindest people I have ever met. This kindes is extremely refreshing to watch on stage along with his very caring (and funny) personality that shines from beginning to end .

First-time audiences will love Winning:Winning for it's beautiful portrayal of Clown art atitss finest. Repeat audiences will also enjoy their second, third, or fourth viewing as each Clown performance is a little different from the last, part of the beauty of the genre. I've seen Winning:Winning about five times at time of writing, and each time I see something new in what Neill has created.

Winning:Winning is worthy five cones of fame. This is the kind of Clown show everyone should experience more than just once.

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Rating: ★★★★★

Runtime: 60 minutes

Venue: Sweet Action Theatre

Date: August 11, 2024