Gagik The Clown

After almost three decades under the big top and 14 years in theatre and films, Armenian clown Gagik Avetisyan knows almost nothing else than a life of performing, being on the road and the intoxicating thrill he gets night after night from eager audiences around the globe.

Contrary to popular belief, professional clowns aren’t honking horns in colourful costumes - they’re professional comedic actors with exceptional timing - they mime, they play music and they can hold the attention of a crowd like no other.

Although a clown at his core, this certainly isn’t amateur hour for Gagik who has spent almost half his life honing his craft, all the while immersing himself entirely in his character, even down to the caravan he calls home and the daily rituals of life in the circus.

In 2022, The Great Moscow Circus did 272 shows in 3 states, visiting 20 towns and travelling over 9200 kilometres.

It takes about 45 minutes for each show to get ready for Gagik, in his small caravan space onsite at The Great Moscow Circus

Gagik applies makeup to his face before a Matinee Show.

Gagik applies some eye makeup before the show.

Gagik poses after applying his moustache.

When Gagik returns to Armenia, he works with a Costume Designer who makes him about 20 different moustaches. Each moustache will last about a month.

Gagik the Clown with his final touches before the matinee show.

Gagik the Clown with his Chaplin style costume, he used to be a more traditional clown before making the change.

In about an hour, the seats around Gagik will be full of adults and kids in hysterics from his performance.

Gagik opens The Great Moscow Circus in Perth, Western Australia.

Front row seats at The Great Moscow Circus are a popular choice.

Gagik's performance is based around a lot of audience interaction.

Gagik points to an unsuspecting crowd volunteer.

Gagik leads an audience member in an impromptu skit.

Gagik the Clown also interacts with many other Circus members throughout the show.

Gagik poses at the end of the matinee show, with another show in an hour.

Gagik Avetisyan, also known as Gagik the Clown, an Armenian clown with The Great Moscow Circus in Australia

Gagik Avetisyan in front of circus signange. In 2022, The Great Moscow Circus had 272 shows in 20 Towns across 3 States and travelled more than 9200km.