Clowns Without Borders’ (CWB) is one of the best ideas in a long time. Take some performers, send them into troubled conflict zones or very poor parts of the World and let them do what they do best, provide entertainment, laughs and escapism for thousands of children who can attend their shows for free. The Irish chapter of CWB was started in 2004, has been all over the World, and performed to over 45,000 people. They are a voluntary aid organisation and you can learn more about the work they do if you drop into the month long photography exhibition, ‘Miles of Smiles’, running in August at the Irish Aid Building on O’Connell Street (near the Parnell Monument).

With all the bad news out there, it’s great to see the positive side of human nature and these men and women are doing important work in making the World a better place; despite their livery, the clowns in question take their responsibilities very seriously. Laughter is a powerful medicine and you can see how effective it is in the funny and moving photographs on exhibit. Launched by Dave McSavage, the exhibition gives some idea of the scope of the projects Clowns Without Borders have tackled. Definitely worth dropping into for twenty minutes or so, it will do a lot to restore your faith in humanity as well as being educational with a small ‘e. Excellent photos too. And no, you won’t get a custard pie in the face when you turn up.

FURTHER INFO – www.cwbireland.com

MILES OF SMILES runs at the IRISH AID building, O’Connell St. from Thursday 1st – Saturday 31st August, 2013

By Dan O’Neill – Dan writes on TV at tvreviewguy.blogspot.com and on Politics at danoneill.wordpress.com