In the face of heartache, tragedy and a sense of injustice as children approach the end of their short lives, Clowndoctor Squidgy is protected by one tiny mask that shields her from those emotions: her red nose.
Actor Carmen Pieraccini, who played Kelly-Marie in hit TV soap River City for a decade and has made several appearances in Taggart, has a passion for performing.
But, she says, to achieve real, meaningful, human connection in her line of work, there’s no greater role she can play than that of a Clowndoctor.
Hungry for new challenges, 12 years ago Carmen decided to explore the art of clowning: not the hapless, circus type, in oversized shoes, a curly wig and exaggerated make-up, but a naive and optimistic clown who finds hope in every situation and excitement in the smallest things.
She signed up for a course run in Barcelona by world-renowned French master clown, Philippe Gauglier, which gave her a fresh insight into the art and a desire to use her new skills to enhance the lives of others.
Following a successful audition with Hearts & Minds – an Edinburgh-based organisation that promises to “improve people’s lives, one smile at a time” – Carmen joined the company, adopting the moniker Dr Squidgy.
“It’s an amazing company, with a great bunch of people who are all really like-minded but very different in our own artistic ways,” she explained.
“You do have to get on, because you work in partnership, always working in pairs.”
Comparing the dynamics of the double act to Laurel and Hardy, Carmen said: “It works well if you are visiting kids who are a bit shy or worried about the environment they have been in.
“We can play from afar and children can watch from afar – and maybe get a bit closer next time.”
When visiting children in hospital or in a CHAS hospice, she visits the wards with a play specialist before getting into costume – a bright yellow coat and the clown’s trademark red nose.
“We don’t choose which kids we’ll see. It’s down to the play specialist or head nurse, who will identify a child who has been particularly bored, or another who could be doing with cheering up,” said Carmen.
“Names are a great way of connecting. It is about trying to be in the moment with the child as much as possible, tuning in to where they’re at, how they are feeling, taking their lead.
“From that, amazing things can happen. And, between me and my partner, if we can generate a feeling of joy, that’s what’s beautiful about being in the clown state.”
With lockdown putting a halt on in-person performance, Carmen had to perfect her virtual act.
“Online visits have been quite challenging, but rewarding,” she explained. “A lot of kids, especially those with complex needs, need more tactile play.
“Responding to their breath can be really powerful. Some have no speech and no sight – and that is when you particularly miss physically being with the child.
“Sound is a big thing, as is mimicking the kids. If a child has no speech, movement for them can be their speech – their means of communication.
“Through Zoom, you are entering someone’s environment – their homes. It is a privilege to be allowed to be present there. And with the family there, you can generate a happy, family atmosphere, and the kid can pick up on that.
“You think: ‘I am going to do my best here to help your child have the best time – and that is my gift.’”
Dr Squidgy and fellow ‘on-call’ Clowndoctors have been heartened to learn that some children who didn’t engage with them during physical visits have responded with excitement and enthusiasm to on-screen interaction while they’re shielding.
But Carmen – mum to four-year-old Jasmine and Rocco, aged two – wouldn’t be human if the reality of some children’s circumstances didn’t occasionally break her.
“Sometimes, you go into hospitals and you meet people who don’t have long to go. People often ask me how I deal with that,” she said.
“But I’m not visiting them as Carmen. I’m Dr Squidgy. The red nose is the smallest mask in the world and keeps you protected because you are in character.
“Yes, it is sad. After having my daughter, I was visiting a high dependency ward in Glasgow. I must have seen three babies in a row, who were roughly the same age as Jasmine. I had to go and take off my red nose and have a wee greet. Then, I put it back on – and I was Dr Squidgy again.”
