Helena Ascough


What A Clown!

artist · ticketing · access · credits · websites · Updated 5 Jan 2023

Presented by Word of Warning + Contact in Works Ahead 2022

What a clown? Sad. Mad… Disabled.

Through Macabre, the goth clown, Helena talks of her own experiences of being a visually impaired woman. She cries, laughs, and reminisces. Her microphone isn’t even plugged in…

A short film that examines how being disabled makes you feel like you are the clown in the room — now available to watch on our YouTube channel.

Artist

Helena works as a freelance actor, poet, arts facilitator, and teacher.
She has built up an extensive performance + acting CV, working for companies including Merlin Entertainments, The Electric Sunshine Project, The Touring Consortium Theatre Company, Events Live, and Initiate Theatre.
She has performed her solo spoken shows at The Lancashire Fringe Festival + Frontline Festival, and her spoken word performances have been commissioned by The Harris Museum, Lancaster Arts, and Brewtime Collective.

Ticketing

Pay What You Decide: £10/£5/£0 | Book for Thursday or Friday via Contact

Times: Thursday 26 + Friday 27 May 2022, 7pm
Film duration: about 6 mins · Works Ahead 2022 duration: about 2¼ hrs
Location: Contact, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M15 6JA

Access

Age Advisory: 16+ (parental/guardian discretion).
Content Warnings: may disturb, please click here for specific warnings.
Features: live + recorded speech, projected visuals, choreographed movement.
Covid measures: taking place in Space 1, we anticipate there will be plenty of room, so please feel free to sit where you feel most comfortable. We encourage audience members to wear masks within Contact unless exempt; please get in touch if you have any queries.
Queries: please call Contact on 0161 274 0600 or email BoxOffice@contactmcr.com

Reviews

Uber talented. Beautiful poetry
 — Audience Feedback

Credits

Written + performed by Helena Ascough
Filmed + edited by Jeff Ascough
Co-commissioned by hÅb + Contact.

Works Ahead 2022 co-commissioned/co-produced by hÅb + Contact.
Project Mentor: Peader Kirk

Websites

Facebook: Helena Ascough · insta helenaascough · @Helena_Ascough
WorksAhead.org · #WorksAhead

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Performance Programme 2022

Wed 4 May, 8pm. PWYD | The Lowry
Dead Cats
Thu 26 + Fri 27 May, 7pm. PWYD | Contact
Works Ahead 2022
Sat 20 Aug, Noon-4pm. Free | St Ann's Square
Gambit
Sat 1 Oct, Noon-10pm. PWYD | Contact
Emergency 22