A New Zealand solicitor has left the law to pursue a career as a clown.

It is not uncommon for lawyers to jack it in for a new challenge. Some write novels, some care for animals, and at least one invented an ergonomic potty. But Phoebe Mason, an environmental lawyer at Atkins Holm Majurey, is one of the few to go full Bozo. Because she can't leave the professions behind she also plans to become a clown doctor (they do exist). 

Mason's road to clowning began when she took a four month sabbatical in 2016 to attend theatre school. She tried out a variety of roles on stage, before creating a solo show as a clown which debuts this month. 


Mason has applied to become a clown doctor with The Humour Foundation, which was not responsible for Patch Adams. The charity's clown doctors work in partnership with medical staff to divert children during painful procedures as well as spreading "fun and laughter" through hospitals to lift the spirits of sick youngsters.  Mason has spent time "clownterning" with seasoned clown docs at a hospital. 

Mason, according to New Zealand news site Stuff, was initially worried that performing might be "frivolous" or "self-indulgent". But she decided that by clowning in a hospital, "it's actually possible to make the kind of work that gives people something".