On the Nose – Courtyard Theatre

‘On the Nose’ is a feel-good flounce between the friendships of two working clowns, Buddy and Dorothy. Directed by Izzy Ponsford, the clown world presented in the play tested our sense of belonging – not without generous helpings of metatheatrical references!

With some fruitful audience interactions and echoes of familiar gags, these birthday clowns sprinkled silly all over. That is, until the friendship of this co-working duo is threatened by Buddy’s sudden desire to become an actor.

There was an implicit interrogation of queer actors’ exclusion from particular acting roles by the ‘high brows’ of theatre. The career-changing plight gave way to Buddy not being ‘straight enough’ to be an effective understudy for a catapult. Similarly, the strain on the pair’s friendship allowed for nudging references to being a ‘friend of Dorothy’.

Making full use of the black box we inhabited downstairs at the Courtyard, this Camden Fringe show felt expansive with ambition. Special mention goes to the show’s clever use of lighting, which took us from scene to scene, swooping between to school canteens to audition rooms to planes of internal thought. It helped keep the scenes swift and the pace enjoyable.

Sometimes I was left wanting a little more – perhaps a joke could have come faster and been a touch more inventive – whilst the story line could be considered as plain sailing.

All that being said, I left the theatre singing along to the birthday party songs, quite enjoying the harmonious joy the show stood for.

Reviewer: Eleanor Hall

Reviewed: 13th August 2025

North West End UK Rating: