Silent clown Darryl Carrington has two shows at the Fringe – Tennish – for adults and Out of the Box, for children and families.
He tells Entertainment Now why one of his Fringe heroes encouraged him to perform without speaking – and he reveals his big ambition – to take his show to the Albert Hall.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
You should go and see it if you want to have a laugh at the end of the day, Its the perfect pudding for a day at the fringe. The show is about tennis -ish, I wanted to base myself in a recognisable world for my second show and tennis lends itself so well to comedy and clowning. There’s consent led audience participation ( if you don’t want to be on stage, I ain’t gonna pick ya.) a story line-ish and I absolutely love the finale!
Do you have a Fringe idol?
Absolutely; Herbie Treehead, he’s a legend of Edinburgh and he encouraged me to perform without talking onstage. So I have him to thank for everything, ive been lucky enough to perform in shows along side him as well and the way he is able to entertain an audience is unlike anyone else I’ve ever seen, he’s magnetic.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Gentle, chaotic and Funny.
Im so sensitive to my audience and I really want to make sure everyone has a nice time, and im a bit of a lump figure wise. So im very gentle with my movement and onstage persona, I like to create an environment onstage where everyone feels they can have fun!
Im chaotic because I have a brain that thinks in cartoons, and no-one knows what’s coming next, sometimes I don’t even! I really love the form of clown as your able to react in the moment to things that are happening rather than following a strict script.
And funny, because thats the most important thing, I love to impress with my circus skills, but I always love it when a routine ends with laughters its the best sound in the world.
Who are you looking forward to seeing in Edinburgh?
I can’t wait to see Spencer Jones new show, Bec Hills new show, Tweedy’s solo show, and I always love seeing who’s come from all over the world to perform on the royal mile.
What do you hope to achieve in Edinburgh – what are your hopes and dreams?
I hope It goes well and that I’m able to keep building an audience for my silly nonsense.
My dream is to one day be good enough at my craft that id be able to perform my solo clown show with a full orchestra at the Albert Hall.
What are the biggest obstacles you face as a performer at the Fringe?
Being away from my dog and partner for the month is always tough!
Also , Sounds silly, but for me not eating pizza everyday! I love the slice shops and when im tired they call to me 🙂
What do you hope the audience will take away after an hour in your company?
That they will feel energised, full of laughter and Joy.
How do you plan to relax and recharge when not on stage?
Swimming in the sea, naps, eating pizza and watching shows.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe day?
Start the day with a nice sea swim catch up with friends for some yummy food and then have a nice video call with wifey and doggo and finish the night watching a brilliant comedy show.
A magical show, doesn’t have to be a sell out, just that everyone in the room was having the best time and were all being silly together and things happen that don’t usually happen and that are totally unique to that show! I love those days.
Darryl J Carrington Tennish, 22.00, Underbelly Bristo Square, August 5 – 31
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/darryl-j-carrington-tennish
Darryl J Carrington, Out of the Box, 13.20, Underbelly, August 5 – 31
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/darryl-j-carrington-out-of-the-box
