{"id":676,"date":"2018-10-08T09:11:09","date_gmt":"2018-10-08T09:11:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/?page_id=676"},"modified":"2023-03-16T10:36:19","modified_gmt":"2023-03-16T10:36:19","slug":"spotlight-silly-sally","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/spotlight-silly-sally\/","title":{"rendered":"Performer Spotlight: Silly Sally"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Get to know Silly Sally<\/h2>\n

Brid Ni Chionaola, AKA Silly Sally, is an actor and clown originally from Waterford. She has been clowning professionally for 13 years at children\u2019s parties and hospitals.\u00a0<\/p>\n

She entertains with magic, walkabout clown, balloon modelling, games, face painting and so much more\u2026 With the combination of all these elements, there is something for every child at a Silly Sally Party.<\/p>\n

Quickfire questions with Silly Sally<\/h2>\n

How did you get into clowning?<\/h4>\n

I used to be a stilt walker for street performances but I lost my nerve. So I took up clowning instead to stay firmly on the ground!<\/p>\n

How did you learn the art?<\/h4>\n

I studied physical theatre at the Jaques LeCoq theatre school in Paris and then when I moved to Dublin I trained with the well-known clown, Janey Mac.<\/p>\n

Who is your biggest inspiration?<\/h4>\n

The actor Michael Murfi who went to the same theatre school and also Veronica Coburn.<\/p>\n

Why do you do what you do?<\/h4>\n

Clowning for kids is so rewarding \u2013 I love seeing their reactions. I don\u2019t have my own children so it is great to still have a connection with kids. And the best bit about it is that my kids never grow up!<\/p>\n

What do you bring to a party or event?<\/h4>\n

Years of experience and high energy. I take over the party for an hour and a half which takes the pressure off the parents hosting the party.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s your favourite gig?<\/h4>\n

I love my hospital shows. Also when I go to a family\u2019s house and they clearly don\u2019t have much money but they have given the kids everything they can. They always make me feel so welcome. I also love it when the adults get involved too.<\/p>\n

How has the kid\u2019s party business changed?<\/h4>\n

The traditional birthday party is still very much alive and If anything there is now even more work. In the age of iPad and video games, it is even more special and exciting for kids to see live entertainment.<\/p>\n

What do you think of the current image of clowns?<\/h4>\n

The killer clown thing and films like \u2018It\u2019 is a worry as they\u2019ve created a situation where some kids are initially frightened of clowns. However, it\u2019s not really a problem as once people see you in action and get used to you, they realise that you\u2019re not actually scary.<\/p>\n

Has this image affected your business?<\/h4>\n

No, I don\u2019t think so \u2013 but I suppose it could if the negative image gets too pervasive.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s your favourite joke for kids?<\/h4>\n