Richard Handley

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Richard Handly is a leading clown, comic actor, and puppeteer, renowned for delivering hilarious, interactive, and visually striking performances rooted in the rich tradition of Commedia Del’Arte. With a career spanning over 25 years, Richard has performed in circus, theatre, television, international festivals, and corporate events, bringing laughter and joy to audiences in over 21 countries around the globe. His energetic, inventive, and engaging style captivates audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making each show a unique experience.

Richard began his career in Hong Kong as an apprentice with Dr Penguin's Magic Circus, performing in a Marx Brothers-style comedic troupe. His first show took place in a Vietnamese refugee camp, setting the stage for a career defined by adventurous performances and cultural exchange. He has since trained at prestigious institutions such as the Desmond Jones School of Mime in London, Fool Time Circus Theatre School in Bristol, and the International School of Comic Acting in Italy, and studied puppeteering with Johnathon Acorn, Director Peter Jackson’s favourite puppeteer.

In addition to performing, Richard has extensive experience as a festival director and organiser. In 2024, he created and successfully produced the first Pafos International Street Theatre Festival in Cyprus, bringing 14 international acts together for a highly successful event. Richard continues to hone his craft at Covent Garden and international festivals, ensuring every show he delivers is packed with expert timing, physical comedy, and audience participation.

Short description:

Going Bananas – a hilarious, interactive clown show for all ages!

We’re hooked on our mobile phones… or are we just monkeys mesmerised by a magical banana? In this original, physical comedy show, Richard Handly takes the audience on a riotous journey full of improvisation, mimicry, and unexpected laughs. With expert timing and audience participation, Going Bananas guarantees 20–45 minutes of fun, surprises, and more engagement than any phone screen!

Full description:

Going Bananas is a unique clown and physical comedy show that tackles our obsession with mobile phones in a way that’s fun for all ages and languages. Richard Handly, a master of clowning and puppetry, leads audiences through a world where we are like monkeys hypnotised by a special banana, poking gentle fun at modern life with sharp comic timing and inventive physical theatre.

The show lasts 20–45 minutes and can be adapted for festivals, indoor or outdoor stages, public spaces, or corporate events. It features a blend of improvisation, audience interaction, mimicry, and comic physicality, building up to a much-loved participatory routine that ensures the audience is fully engaged and laughing throughout. No one can predict what will happen next, making each performance fresh, dynamic, and thrilling.

Richard’s performances are rooted in the Commedia Del’Arte tradition but infused with a contemporary twist, drawing on his extensive international experience in over 21 countries. He has performed at major events including Glastonbury Festival of Performing Arts, Linz Pflasterspektakel, Abu Dhabi Street Theatre Festival, and Urban Elephant Festival, among others. His work combines expert clowning, puppetry, and improvisation with high energy and inventive storytelling, making Going Bananas a show that resonates with audiences young and old alike.

This piece is also highly flexible, allowing Richard to move easily between stages or street locations, and it can accommodate audience numbers of all sizes. Ideal for festivals, cabaret programs, children’s events, and corporate entertainment, Going Bananas is guaranteed to delight, surprise, and leave audiences smiling long after the curtain falls.

Beyond performing, Richard is also a skilled workshop leader and mentor, sharing his expertise in clowning, physical comedy, and puppetry with aspiring performers of all ages. His shows are not only entertaining but also interactive learning experiences, encouraging audiences to explore creativity, movement, and improvisation. Known for his adaptability, Richard can tailor performances to suit any venue, audience size, or event type, making him a trusted and versatile performer for festivals, schools, corporate events, and international stages alike

To find out more:

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zACtaT5XBFE
 

CONTACT & BOOKINGS

Email: bookings@lamppostartists.com
Location: Based in London – UK