Modern classic tells story of clown's comic and tragic life

It’s December 31 1999, and as the 20th century ticks away, the mysterious white faced clown Scaramouche Jones emerges from the circus ring for the very last time.

With just an hour remaining before the new millennium, he finally tells of his journey from a Trinidad brothel to The Big Top.

Justin Butcher’s classic piece of theatre weaves the actual events of a century which shaped the world we live in today, with the life story of an extraordinary character.

The play toured with the late Pete Postlethwaite in the title role, a part he loved, describing the script as “a phenomenal piece of writing and to do it justice is extraordinary”.

White Cobra’s directors, Kate Billingham and Richard Jordan, are experienced performers with production experience on stage, radio, television and film.

Kate first saw Pete Postlethwaite take on the role of Scaramouche Jones as part of a nationwide tour, then studied the text at University as part of her BA(Hons) in Drama with Psychology.

The latest production is the fourth full-scale theatrical touring productions presented by White Cobra. Previous productions have taken the company to Leicestershire, Cheshire, London, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands

The play runs for one night only at The Place, Bradgate Road, Bedford on Saturday at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £10 or £9 for concessions. Visit www.theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets or call 01234 354321.