The Magazine Theatre and Exhibition Centre at Bembridge Fort was packed to capacity on Saturday evening (7th June) for the sold-out presentation of The Sandown Clown (Declassified).
The performance was hosted by acclaimed local historian and folklorist Paul A.T. Wilson.
Audiences travelled from across the UK – including Northern Ireland, Manchester, and Brighton – to witness this long-awaited deep dive into one of the strangest and most intriguing stories in Isle of Wight folklore.
One attendee even walked all the way up to the Fort in pouring rain, determined not to miss the event, stating:
“I just wanted to say thank you for the talk – it was absolutely fascinating.”
The evening featured never-before-revealed evidence and eyewitness encounters, as well as original artwork created by the children involved and the very reports submitted by one of their fathers at the time of the incident. This groundbreaking new material cast fresh light on the legend of the so-called “Sandown Clown” — or All Colours Sam.
Dave Jones from Goldsmiths, University of London — creator of the life-size statue of Sam — was in attendance.
Dave commented:
“It was fascinating and amazing to hear the new information. I had no idea some of this existed. I’m really looking forward to future updates.”
Audience feedback was overwhelmingly enthusiastic:
“Fantastic evening with some amazing new evidence. The venue is superb — looking forward to part two…”
“Great new Island performance venue — unique and steeped in history and atmosphere, and fully wheelchair accessible. A thoroughly entertaining and thought-provoking evening’s entertainment…”
Paul A.T. Wilson reflected on the evening’s success:
“This has been a passion of mine since the early ’80s. I really began to dig into the stories in the mid-2000s and over the years have amassed hundreds of documents and statements. Stay tuned — part two is coming in November.”
A repeat performance of “The Sandown Clown (Declassified)” will take place at 18:30 on Saturday 9th August 2025.
Tickets are available now at www.bembridgefort.org
