Clown's quest for love, family and belonging is theme of new production at Sheffield's playhouse starring actor who played Gandalf in Amazon Prime's The Lord of the Rings: The Ring of Power
Stage, film and television actor Daniel Weyman – known for playing Gandalf in Amazon Prime’s The Lord of the Rings: The Ring of Power – takes centre stage in a new production in Sheffield.
Daniel will play a clown called Felix in BUFFOON, written by award-winning playwright and novelist Anosh Irani, at the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse from July 16 to 18, 2026.
Born to circus folk preferring trapezing over parenting, Felix grows up alone. Surviving extraordinary encounters and heart-breaking experiences, the clown - the Buffoon - is born. Now Felix is stepping into the spotlight to perform his unique but universal life-story; searching for family, self and love.
The play is a dark and poetic exploration of fate, identity, and love through the life of a man who is shaped—and ultimately trapped—by forces beyond his control. While the play uses the world of circus as a backdrop, its true power lies in its examination of family, trauma, love, and the struggle to break free from one's past.
Anos Irani, writer, said: “BUFFOON began with an image from my childhood that haunted me for years; a clown from one of my grand-aunt’s paintings. I find myself wondering about the wound behind the make-up. The play took almost 15 years to reach the stage as it evolved from a larger circus story into one man’s quest for love, family, and belonging.”
The play is produced by Aisha Khan Theatre Productions, which launched in 2026 and is dedicated to premiering international contemporary theatre telling stories rarely seen or heard in the UK.
Tickets cost £15, go to www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk