Bad Clowns: Long Live The King! at Leicester Comedy Festival Review
Written by Emmie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Bad Clowns: Long Live the King! is a riotous comedy that follows Christian Dart, Sam Walls, and John Bond as they bring a medieval kingdom to chaotic life, playing a multitude of characters along the way. Set against the age-old battle for succession, the trio guides audiences through outrageous twists, sharp satire, and escalating absurdity on the road to an unforgettable conclusion.
This laugh-a-minute show keeps audiences hooked as the characters search for “the right heart,” with each interpretation shaping the backbone of the story. The result is infectiously funny, as so its the performer’s energy, with audience members being pulled into the fold for the ride too! (quite literally speaking, as this reviewer became heavily involved in this evening’s proceedings!).
This carefully crafted piece is aided by lute-laden versions of modern pop classics, which navigate the story from one scene to the next. Whilst the premise for this show is very simplistic and easy to follow, it’s the execution that makes it a resounding triumph overall. Bad Clowns: Long Live the King! is a comedy worthy of the crown! It’s a show you will talk about for long afterwards.
Alex Prescot performed as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival in 2026
★★★★★
