Meet Alice Palmer—comedy lover, freelance youth worker, and a dungaree connoisseur. Alice’s journey with Clowns Without Borders (CWB) began with a simple email and a dream to bring joy to people facing challenging circumstances. With a background in acting and an unshakeable belief in the healing power of theatre, Alice now brings laughter and a bit of silliness to children, adults, and communities that need it most. In this interview, Alice discusses the importance of joy, the impact of clowning, and the small moments that make all the difference.
CWB: Along with a red nose, we know you wear many hats. So can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Alice: I love comedy, dungarees, the sea, psychology, and pasta. I work as a freelancer, primarily focusing on youth involvement for a mental health charity. I originally trained as an actor and later studied International Relations. I’ve always been fascinated by how theatre can support both individuals and communities.
CWB: How did you find out about CWB, and how did your journey with us begin?
Alice: A friend told me about CWB, and I looked them up immediately. I remember emailing Sam (Samantha, CEO of CWB UK, AKA Clown-in-Chief) that evening with something like, “Hey! How might I become a clown?! This looks perfect for me!” I felt thrilled by the idea but a bit nervous since I’d never actually trained in clowning. I hoped my love of Mr. Bean and my extensive dungaree collection might help.
CWB: Why do you think the work we do is important?
Alice: Because, honestly, what’s more important than laughter and joy? I started taking improv lessons during a rough time in my teens. One evening, we acted as different condiments, and I found myself fully absorbed in being a bottle of ketchup. I felt so present and free, in a way I hadn’t for ages. Since then, I’ve worked across various settings in the UK and abroad, using theatre and comedy as a form of recovery. Creativity always brings relief, openness, and lightness.
CWB’s work represents a simple yet effective approach. While other vital organisations provide food, water, and shelter, CWB delivers equally essential relief through imagination, laughter, and play—things that remind us of who we are and how we connect with others. What will happen if generations grow up without this?
CWB: Can you share a specific moment where you witnessed the power of joy in a difficult situation?
Alice: We arrived in a container city in Hatay, eastern Turkey, where last year’s earthquake left devastation and displaced thousands. People still live in containers beside the ruins of their homes. Looking out of the bus window, I found it hard to fathom what these communities had endured.
When we arrive, we often parade around with bubbles and music, letting children know a show is about to start. That morning, I spotted an elderly lady sitting alone on a bench, watching us with a sceptical look—fair enough, given a group of clowns had just disrupted her morning! But as I approached, I noticed her gaze fixed on the drum I was carrying. She gestured to play, and it became clear she had talent. She told me she used to play in a band but hadn’t touched a drum in years. The joy on her face as she played mesmerised everyone around her.
It’s not just children who need joy in these moments. Building a sense of trust and safety means connecting with adults too, showing children it’s okay to play and be silly.
CWB: Is there a particular story of a child you’ve met that stays with you, and why?
Alice: Just before a show, I met a little boy and his younger sister standing by their family’s container door. He was dressed for school, clearly torn between going to class or staying for the show. His mother gave me a knowing smile, as if agreeing that, for this morning, the clown show should come first. She gently nudged them outside, and they joined us.
He took his sister’s hand with a big grin, and they sat together, captivated. At one point in the show, we invited a child on stage, and after a sequence of tricks, we surprised them with a red clown nose. This little boy got picked, and I’ll never forget the way his sister stood, clapping and jumping with joy as he received the nose. It was such a simple moment of joy between siblings. In their challenging living conditions, the importance of family and connection really struck me.
CWB: We are all about spreading joy. What brings you joy in your work?
Alice: Walking into petrol stations between shows, dressed as a clown, always brings a good laugh! But really, it’s the openness you feel with people when you’re dressed as a clown. You connect instantly. Moments of eye contact with children or seeing a little one beam back at you sends pure joy straight to your heart. Working with incredibly generous, talented clowns and producers brought me so much laughter. I thought I’d finish the tour feeling drained, but instead, I left bursting with joy. Even six weeks later, I can still feel that inner clown giggling.
CWB: If you could change one thing in the world with a magic wand, what would it be and why?
Alice: I’d want everyone to recognise creativity as one of the most hopeful, powerful tools we have—in education and in life. And I’d want everyone to have access to it, because it’s still out of reach for many. We all have unique skills, values, and ambitions, yet society often values a narrow few. If I could wave two magic wands, I’d wish for people to put themselves in others’ shoes (clown shoes, preferably!). A lack of empathy can lead to so much harm in the world.