Today’s post is a short musing about British comedy character/comedian Angelos Epithemiou, so those of you from outside these shores may take an early lunch, though you will receive extra credit if you watch the Shooting Stars quizcom and observe Angelos Epithemiou in action.

When I first saw Angelos in action, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of him; I think, like many, I didn’t realise straight away that it was a character, and found him quite unsettling. However, as I grew to understand the character, I really began to appreciate the surreal comedy he offers.

What I like about Angelos as a character is that, although he’s portrayed as somebody with learning difficulties, it is not this that is a source of comedy; it’s simply a part of his character, and doesn’t actually seem to be made an issue, nor does it hinder him. Angelos the character is actually very cunning and devious, if a little socially maladjusted, and although he doesn’t laugh at his own routines he undoubtedly has a fantastic sense of humour.

What strikes me is that Angelos, other than being a fantastic character, seems to share many qualities with classic clowns. He’s a clearly defined character, with a distinct style of joke (absurdism contrasted with the mundane), he’s quite relatable and personable, he has an easily recognisable costume (kahki shirt, tie and anorak) and he has a magic prop (his Sainsbury’s bag of mystery). There’s definitely an element of circus clown mixed with character clown about him.

I think that’s great. What I particularly love is the evolution of the classics. In much the same way as I believe Gavin and Stacey is an extension commedia dell’arte, Angelos Epithemiou is the modern take on classic clowns, taking the framework and enhancing it with modern humour sensibilities.

Anyone else got thoughts on this?

M.