麻豆约拍

This programme is part of Talk - a collection of interviews with some of the most influential figures of the 20th century.

"Clowns are not made they are born," says Nicolai Poliakoff, who was one of the most famous circus performer of his generation. He tells of leaving home at the age of seven to join an Italian circus where he learnt riding, tumbling and the trapeze. He then offers his own technical characterisation of his circus persona, describing himself as an 'Auguste', the white-faced clown who plays the fool but who always wins in the end. Poliakoff proudly celebrates Britain's affection towards slapstick comedy but laments the fading popularity of the circus in England.

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