Interactive / ImmersiveComedyCircus / Physical Theatre

BOLSTER & LEE - The Knock' Em Downs

The Mask Family
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Photo by Justin Ma
About the work

Take a trip back in time to the side shows of old...

THE KNOCK' EM DOWNS

Outdoor Version – Free

Step into the excitement of The Knock' Em Downs, a lively, free outdoor carnival spectacle perfect for festivals and public events! Embrace the nostalgic charm of vintage sideshows as you meet Bernie & Roach—two quick-witted clowns who turn classic games into hilarious competitions. With slapstick antics, playful challenges, and audience interactions, this high-energy experience offers spontaneous fun and big prizes, making it a must-see for families and friends.

Indoor In-Studio or Main Stage Immersive Version – Ticketed

Welcome to The Knock' Em Downs: Clowns' Night Off—a thrilling 3-hour immersive experience, transforming a Black Box Studio or Main Stage into a bustling clown bar! Join a family of off-duty sideshow clowns, including Bernie & Roach, for an unforgettable night of playful rivalry and absurd fun. Guests are fully immersed in the action with side-splitting games, offbeat bar challenges, and unexpected clown antics, all in a vibrant cabaret-style setting. Ideal for theatre venues and special events, this version offers a bold and interactive alternative for audiences seeking something different. Whether in an intimate studio or on a grand stage, Clowns' Night Off guarantees laughter, chaos, and surprises around every corner.

Originally Commission by Brisbane Festival with funding support from Arts Queensland.




Details

Interactive / Immersive

Comedy

Circus / Physical Theatre

Families

General

All agessuitable for everyone

From 2025

Until 2035



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Reviews

★★★★★
"The Knock' Em Downs is an odd-ball pop-up show by local clowning royalty Clint Bolster and Annie Lee. Transforming a circus tent into an old sideshow, this experience was stocked with classic carnival games prepped and primed for audience participation....best of all, when the audience's participation didn't cut the mustard, they did not attempt to hide their disappointment. If your ball-throwing skills were aimless, you knew it. You knew it if you took too long to hand over your ticket. If your hoop throws onto the pointy clown noses were lacklustre, you knew it. "

Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane, QLD
Media Review

★★★★★
"A smash hit, brilliant and hilarious."

Brisbane Festival, QLD
Colleague Review

★★★★★
"Our audiences kept on going back for more! Worldclass!"

Cairns Festival, QLD
Colleague Review
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Performances

Brisbane Festival, QLD

8/09/2022 - 30/09/2022

The Joondalup Festival, WA

20/03/2023 - 15/04/2023

The Brookfield Show, QLD

19/05/2023 - 21/05/2023

Cairns Festival, QLD

22/08/2023 - 2/09/2023

Woodford Folk Festival, QLD

27/12/2023 - 1/01/2024

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Acknowledgement of Country

We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

QTouring acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands, winds and water ways.

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