Love of theatre has been longstanding for James. He was involved in drama 'way back in high school then later participated in theatre sports and worked a few gigs for London's Bill Paul long before he started clowning in 1990. James met Susan 13 years ago at a best friend's wedding and they first became life partners (celebrating their 9th anniversary), then part time business partners in Fisher and Friends. They see this business more as a fun hobby as they both have other full time jobs. Fisher and Friends provides entertainment for birthdays and other special events, contracting their services mostly to other entertainment businesses in the area. James works with balloons and Susan does facepainting. Rainbow (James) and Tutti Frutti (Susan, below) are both whiteface clowns.

James has never attended a formal clown school but his quick wit and creative leanings has assisted him in his clowning. His passion for comic book heroes prepares him well for his characters of Batman and Spiderman. Getting to play your boyhood heroes and getting paid for it too is a bonus that most jobs don't offer! Susan joins him in these adventures as Cat Woman and Mary Jane (Peter Parker's girlfriend). When James first said he needed a partner for these parties eight years ago, Susan was reluctant at first but now enjoys it. Both love the smiles and hugs that they receive.

Chevy Chase is James' favourite funny person and Bill Murray is a close runner-up. Dr Seuss is Susan's favourite funny person with "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" being her favourite Seuss story/show. London's own Hoppy the clown (Trevor Van Leeuwen) is the clown that most inspires James. He sees Hoppy as being a "natural", someone who is a true "circus" clown.

James is the Clown Alley of London's webmaster, creating the informative and interesting site that brings you all the good news of southwestern Ontario's local clown club's activities. You can see his handiwork on sites like www.clownalleyoflondon.com; jamesfisher.ca; and www.childrensadventures.com. His advice to new clowns is "have fun with it; try new things", and most of all "do it because you want to, not because you have to". Great advice for any venture undertaken!

Interviewed and submitted by Judy "GIGI" Carscadden.