Greater Manchester Fringe Festival
Natalie Patuzzo’s debut clown show introduces us to Noot Patoot (I’ve had a stab at it), an alien who wishes to understand sounds from earth by collecting them in her sound collector. Using an extended ear trumpet, she collects the sounds and then loads them into test tubes which she has strapped about her person. This is the bear outline of the show, but let’s dig a little deeper.
Using the audience as contributors, Noot (Natalie Patuzzo) begins her quest to collect sounds which her planet will also use as an energy source. An odd ear trumpet contraption is used to listen to people’s thoughts (with the addition of some tech assistance), and with the idea seed firmly lodged in the audience’s mind, they are given a free pass to join in with providing the sounds. Super easy animal sounds at first, and it is funny to hear people morph into their best rendition of a washing machine or blender!
Patuzzo is dressed in a costume which reminds me of a ‘star trek-esque’ alien style from the 1960’s series, and the staging is kept very simple to give her the space to bring willing viewers into her world to assist in her sound gathering, or to set up new sound gathering techniques. On an early evening show on a Friday in Manchester, this was a good way to unwind from a working week. It is simple, but well thought out, with a framework that includes additions from the tech hiding in the background. It is easy going, you can choose to join in, or in my case look blankly due to me taking notes and not thinking of ideas, but you are never pressed to join in. Luckily for me, there were many individuals ready to add a noise to the collective.
Patuzzo uses the skills that she leant in her training and manages to produce a show that has very few verbalisations from her, as of course, she is not human! The audience is always a good barometer, and they really enjoyed a chance to slip into the weekend, with laughter, silliness and good will. If I had to nit pick, I think the segments could have been shorter and snappier, and therefore a greater diversity of content, but it is a good show, and I am sure it will evolve as it develops.
Patuzzo has produced a show which is simple, joyful, and leaves you with a warm buzz. I look forward to seeing more of Patuzzo as she continues to develop her comedic clowning.
There is one show left at Greater Manchester Fringe Festival, this evening 4th July at 7pm, but you can also catch the show at an Ed Fringe Preview on the 17th July 7.15pm at ARTCH Studios in Preston, before she heads off to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival from the 24th-29th August 3.10pm at Ivy Studio, Greenside @ George Street.
To book tickets to these shows, or to find out more about Natalie Patuzzo go to – https://www.nataliepatuzzo.com/
Reviewed – 3rd July 2026
Theatre Muse UK Rating – ***
