Scaramouche Jones

Synopsis

Having given his final performance, Scaramouche the clown unmasks himself for the last time and reflects on the extraordinary fortunes of his life. Recounting his quest for a father and a homeland, spanning a hundred years and the furthest reaches of crumbling empires, he journeys through the terrors, joys and absurdities of the twentieth century.

Our Review:

3 October 2002

Note: The following review dates from April 2002 and an earlier tour date of this production.

Scaramouche Jones was born in the first seconds of the year 1900 and has lived through the whole century. Now, as the play opens, it is New Year's Eve 1999 and, after 50 years of playing the silent clown, Scaramouche is hanging up his big feet. Leaving the Big Top for the last time, Scaramouche comes into his dressing room and, to us as an unseen audience, divests himself of his costume, his mask, his story and, at the last, his life.

Justin Butcher's one-man play takes us on a journey through the life of this not-so-merry prankster, from his birth in Trinidad, through North Africa, and across Europe; Italy, Poland, Yugoslavia and finally England. More important though is the journey through the turbulence of the 20th century looked at from the perspective of one small soul blown along in its wind. To outline the tale here may spoil it for people yet to s...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com - 6 October 2002:

A fantastic performance, and a real pleasure to watch. The story is moving and touches your heart. The performance Pete puts in is masterly....

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