P-C, I actually think any musical inspiration is going to come from Peter Gabriel's Family Snapshot. But thanks.

Personally, I'm all about Punchinello.

And, go DEB!!!

Well, the thing about clowns is that they're a sort of a horrific fantasy figure, an attempt to personify animas, which may well be why only little kids tend to find them funny, and childlike adults. OK, that's a broad generalisation, but I think not really too far out of line.

Clown's terrified me as a kid. One bumped into me at the circus, and made me drop my soda and hot dog, and I cried. I have issues.

I also, evidently, have issues with my alumni association, but nonetheless, am putting together a reading, remembrance for my now-passed mentor. Hectic, hectic morning.

Clown's terrified me as a kid.

To me, clowns aren't funny. In fact, they're kind of scary. I've wondered where this started and I think it goes back to the time I went to the circus, and a clown killed my dad.

Oh, and look, here's another one:

You know what would make a good story? Something about a clown who make people happy, but inside he's real sad. Also, he has severe diarrhea.

Apocalypse, people. Has to be about the apocalypse.

My husband is suggesting the circus as an apocalypse. Basically, the Last Circus, with the Three Rings opening up to reveal the yawning pits of eternal emptiness, and Crankypants actually being Vishnu, or something along those lines.

Me? I'm awaiting guidelines.

I love Nic's idea!

Then you could work in the four horses extremely easily, each rider being an eerie, greenlit woman who hisses and prophesizes.

I'm sorry, I saw a really great production of Macbeth while in Stratford last week with an excellent interpretation of the weird sisters, and I keep wanting to put them in everything now.

ETA: My main character in my book is a trick rider in a circus. This may also be a factor in my thinking.

I'm sorry, I saw a really great production of Macbeth while in Stratford last week with an excellent interpretation of the weird sisters, and I keep wanting to put them in everything now.

WOOT! I used to lecture on the Scots play. A favourite of mine.

Have you seen RSC's new production of it? I don't know if it's touring, but I really recommend it if it comes your way. Truly, one of the best productions I've seen. There was a twist at the end involving the sisters (seens but not heard, obviously) that gave me goosebumps all down my body.

I haven't, but if it tours, I'm there. Who's running the RSC these days? I'm assuming Trevor Nunn has long since moved on?

Deb, here's the Scot play link, but it also is the RSC homepage. Check it out!

Looks like they aren't touring at the moment, but they frequently do. I saw their MND last year when they came through CT.

In terms of who's running it...

Her Majesty the Queen is Patron and His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales is President of the Royal Shakespeare Company. The Company is governed by the Board of Governors led by the Chairman, Lord Alexander of Weedon QC and is directed by an Executive Management, which includes the Artistic Director, Michael Boyd and the Interim Managing Director, Vikki Heywood.

The Executive group receives important support from a group of Advisory Directors, Emeritus Directors and Associate Directors. The latter, Gregory Doran and Dominic Cooke, work closely with Michael Boyd in developing the artistic vision for the company.

So Michael Boyd is the main man.