And to be a buffoon was a serious thing as a rule! For a jester’s chief employment, is to kill himself for your enjoyment – The Court Jester

The life of the joker was to amuse the aristocracy. Their privilege came from being the only person in the court who could insult the monarch without consequence. But what happens when a jester goes too far?

Jester’s Privilege, on at Melbourne Fringe Festival is about a jokers existential crisis after the medieval Queen decides to put him to death.  He messed up his juggling act in a way that had dire consequences for the monarchy.

What will become of the Jester who has displeased the Queen?

Jester’s Privilege is a dark comedy by Handful of Bugs writer-performers Alex Donnelly and Lachlan Gough, and produced by Kaite Head of SKINT. Donnelly and Gough are a versatile, dynamic and playful performance ensemble. In Jester’s Privilege Donnelly’s acting skills shine through portrail of multiple characters in quick change successions. Donnelly and Gough are joined onstage by Ayesha Harris-Westman as the Queen. And the costumes are spectacular and colourful.

I have seen Handful of Bugs before and they go from strength to strength in their performances. With clever scripting, impeccable timing, and hilarious facial expressions, this show is a lighthearted exploration of a serious topic – the inner turmoil of the clown for whom sometimes comedy emerges as a release from psychological torment. Who better to unmask the court jester but a comedic duo?

Grab a ticket for a wild ride in Medieval England. Jesters’s Privilege is on at Festival Hub: Trades Hall Old Council Chambers till Sunday 5th October.