Gareth Ellis, known to many as Bippo the Clown, discovered his passion for the circus before most children even start school. At four years old, he was captivated by the magic of the big top. By the age of nine, Bippo didn’t just run away to join the circus—he brought his entire family along for the adventure.
His parents left their jobs in Manchester to become part of the circus community; his mother helped as an assistant and his father worked as a handyman. By his early teens, Gareth began donning makeup himself and stepping into the spotlight as Bippo the Clown. Now 36, he travels across the UK spreading joy to children and families, embracing the deep responsibility that comes with the role.
Despite the jovial nature of clowning, popular culture often paints clowns in a darker light. From Pennywise’s terror to the complex sadness of Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, clowns have increasingly been portrayed as figures of fear or cynicism rather than joy. Even family-friendly icons like Ronald McDonald have faded from prominence. Bippo notes the impact this has on public perception: “Sometimes it’s the parents. They tell their kids, ‘Look, there’s a clown, it’s going to get you!’”
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Determined to combat coulrophobia—the fear of clowns—Bippo once hosted ‘clownselling’ sessions. During these, hesitant individuals could watch him patiently apply his makeup while engaging in a calm conversation, gently dismantling their fears and misconceptions.
The decline in clown popularity has also shifted how clowns perform. Gone are the days of exaggerated makeup and over-the-top antics designed for large audiences. Bippo now favors subtle touches: white lips, delicate eyebrows, and cheek color no brighter than one might see on a lively Saturday night. Traditional gags like pies in the face are waning in popularity, and audiences often express surprise at the fresh, modern approach Bippo brings to his shows.
More than entertainment, Bippo sees clowning as a calling to uplift those in need. In 2004, after the tragic Beslan siege in Russia where hundreds were killed or injured, Bippo and fellow performers brought comfort to young survivors in hospital wards. The gravity of those moments was profound for the teenage clown, underscoring the emotional depth behind the makeup.
Back home, Bippo has also dedicated time with Circus Starr, performing for underprivileged children across the UK. The work carries its share of heartbreak; following one show, a parent informed him that their child, who had been uplifted by Bippo’s performance, had since passed away. Bippo’s response was to keep professionalism front and center during performances despite personal sorrows—a balance he calls the ‘tears of the clown.’
Clowning is more than a career for Bippo; it’s his identity. “I’ve never been anything else,” he says. “I did three shifts at Morrisons during Covid. I am Bippo the Clown. Bippo got me this house, Bippo bought me my car, Bippo has taken me around the world.”
When asked if his own children might one day follow in his footsteps, Bippo offers a thoughtful reflection: modern life has turned us all into performers. “Social media has turned the whole country into slight performers,” he explains. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube encourage everyone to put on their own show, carefully crafting content and competing for digital applause. In that light, perhaps we are all clowns—and the world itself a vast, ongoing circus.
Bippo will be performing at Wookey Hole on Friday, April 24.