Thirty great years of clowning around

Oct 3 2007 By Patrice John, Birmingham Mail

A CIRCUS clown who has entertained the Pope and Prince Charles is back in Birmingham - 30 years after his debut in the city.

Fips the Clown first came to town at the age of seven when he was known as 'Titch' due to his age and size.

But after decades of performing tricks the entertainer, whose real name is Jan Erik Brenner, will be with the Circus Royale performing in Edgbaston.

Fips, who is from a family of circus performers, said: "I was part of a clowning tradition with my father, but my first public performance was in Birmingham.

"It was an exciting time for me and because of that Birmingham has a special place in my heart.

"I started here in the circus ring and that's how I learned about being a clown. When we were in the city I'd help my dad with publicity and I remember being chased out of the Bull Ring for giving out leaflets.

"Since starting my career here I have clowned all over the world, so it's nice to be back."

Fips, aged 37, made his debut at Bingley Hall, in the City Centre, which is now the site of the ICC, in November 1977.

His father Karl, who was known as Charlie the Clown, and mother Jane, who was a trapeze artist, raised Fips, his brother Jonathan and his sister Patricia in the circus.

Although Jonathan and Patricia are no longer part of the circus, Fips - who says he was born in a caravan - continues to perform and has done so in Thailand, Dubai, Japan, USA and Europe.

Fips said: "Circus life is not for everyone and that's probably why my brother and sister didn't want to do it any more. I love my job and I tend to keep the performance going.

"I also work as a bit of a distraction for the audience while other things take place on stage and I help with audience participation and make sure everyone has a good time."

The Continental Circus Royale will perform at the Nature Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Pershore Road, until Sunday. Call 07821 231232 for details.