I’ll Take My Applause Now – a short clown skit from The Red Skelton Hour
I’ll Take My Applause Now is a short, but funny, clown skit. It’s one of those short skits that can be used between other skits and acts, while the next act is being set up. I saw it on The Red Skelton Hour episode, It Happened One Nut. It goes like this:
Red Skelton walked on stage, at the beginning of his monologue, carrying a bar stool in one hand, and a cane in the other. He explains to the audience that he’s been practicing! He sets the stool down, and puts the cane on top of it, pointing upwards. He explains that this is very dangerous … He could even die! But, he’s going to do a handstand on the top of the cane, on top of the stool!
Since it’s so dangerous …. Could he hear the applause first? In case he doesn’t make it? The audience applauds. He acts indignant! “If you think I’m going to risk my life for that kind of applause, you’re nuts!” He picks up the stool & cane, and walks off!
Editor’s note:
If you wanted to, you could make this a running gag, following the Rule of Three. For example, do this as is towards the beginning of the show. Do it again in the middle of the show, and even if its thunderous applause — “Still not good enough!” and walks off again. Then, at the very end of the show, do it a third time. Finally, the applause is good enough! The clown’s about to do it when …. the master of ceremonies comes on and says they’re out of time, and the show’s over!