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★★★★★

"The Knock' Em Downs is an oddball pop-up show by local clowning royalty Clint Bolster and Annie Lee. This circus tent transforms into an old sideshow, stocked with classic carnival games ready for audience participation."

Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane


THE KOCK' EM DOWNS

Take a whimsical trip back to the sideshows of old...

 

The Knock ’Em Downs is a comically twisted, visually striking trip to the sideshows of old. Step inside the colourful carnival tent, where nostalgia has soured, and the carnies are unsettling. Bernie & Roach—two fools with mischief and unexpected tricks—await. Classic sideshow games with curious prizes blur the line between fun and the sinister, drawing you in with every laugh. You may leave smiling, but not sure why. Designed for audiences seeking engagement, the show blends clowning, physical theatre, and participation in a high-energy, free-flowing experience unique to every crowd. It sparks laughter, draws crowds, and creates a lively social hub.
 

PAST & CURRENT TOURS


Woodford Folk Festival, QLD- 2023/24
Cairns Festival, QLD - 2023
The Brookfield Show, QLD - 2023 

The Joondalup Festival, WA - 2023 
Brisbane Festival, QLD - 2022


BOLSTER & LEE

​If John Cleese and Lucille Ball ran away with the circus, you'd find Bolster and Lee at the heart of the big top.


With their strong rapport, Annie Lee (The Kransky Sisters) and Clint Bolster (Slava Snow Show) became creative collaborators in 2004 and have continued to develop characters to play together ever since. From crazy male duos and siblings of all sorts to mother-and-son teams and various clowns, these two talents have paired their uniquely funny souls with considerable skills to significant effect.  Bolster and Lee employ their individual differences in height, sex and age to particular advantage. Together, they create warm, relatable characters with an endearing nature, yet curiously unsettling in their imposing eccentricities. This distinctive duo possesses an outlandishly powerful sense of the ridiculous that will make you laugh and wonder…what might happen next? 

A THRILLING ATMOSPHERE

Bolster & Lee – The Knock ’Em Downs transforms any festival or event hub into a vibrant, high-energy carnival. Step inside the tent and audiences are transported to a world where sideshow meets clown, and nostalgia collides with playful chaos. With richly detailed design, live interaction, and razor-sharp comic timing, the space hums with anticipation, laughter, and the unmistakable thrill of the unexpected.

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT

Bolster & Lee capture audiences of all ages by inviting everyone to participate, not just observe. As soon as they arrive, patrons are encouraged to play, compete, and connect—creating memorable moments through shared laughter and the joy of joining in.

VISUAL EXPERIENCE

The Knock ’Em Downs stands out with bold visual impact, drawing inspiration from the golden age of sideshow alley. The space is alive with handcrafted games, vivid colours, and unique characters. Each detail creates a nostalgic yet fresh visual world for audiences to explore.

INTERACTIVITY

Interactivity sits at the core of the experience. Audiences don’t just observe—they play the games, take on the challenges, and become part of the action. Bolster & Lee guide participants through a series of absurd, hilarious, and skill-based encounters, ensuring no two interactions are ever the same. This hands-on engagement transforms spectators into players, deeply invested in the show's world.

★★★★★

"A smash hit, brilliant and hilarious."

Brisbane Festival 
 

★★★★★

"Our audiences kept on going back for more! Worldclass!"

Cairns Festival

 

★★★★★

"Genius!"

Woodford Folk Festival

 

★★★★★

"This oddball encounter is guaranteed to make you laugh!"

The Brookfield Show

BOLSTER & LEE
Brisbane Festival 2022

CREATIVE TEAM

 

Creative Producer, Co-Creator, Co-Writer & Clown Performer: Clint Bolster

Co-Creator, Co-Writer & Clown Performer: Annie Lee
Clown Performer: Darcy Brown
Clown Performer: Tammy Weller

Associate Producers: Cluster Arts Global

Associate Producer: Rob Tannion

Grant Support: Ann Mclean

Production Designer: Josh McIntosh

Lighting Designer: Jason Glenwright

Sound Designer & Technical Manager: Guy Webster

Stage Manager: Liam Caneris & Geoff Squires

Videographer: Tnee Dyer

Photographers: Justin Ma & Barbara Lowing

Costume Designer: Josh McIntosh

Costume Maker: Jim Ioannides

Touring Logistics: Live Events
Venue Construction: Extreme Marquees

Clown Nose Maker: Tony Kishawi

Electrician: Sparky Marc
 

BOLSTER & LEE have  been assisted by the Queensland Government through the Arts Queensland Showcase Program​​

FOR  BOOKINGS 
CONTACT

 

Clint Bolster
clint@homunculustheatre.com.au
0421 524 401
 

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