Volunteers of Dr Klown attended a special training session by Nigel Williams, an internationally reputed stand-up comedian of British descent. The core message of Williams’ address was the essential existence of humour in everyday life, which in itself is a matter to be taken seriously.

He highlighted smiling as one of the first communication tools humans used to signal “safety and willingness to co-operate” in the early stages of the formation of communities – and it still is so today.

Williams used several vivid examples to illustrate the importance of comedy in society and showed great skill in improvisation, a difficult art to be mastered by Klown Doctors when working in the paediatric wards of Mater Dei Hospital.

Williams praised the volunteers for taking on this emotionally challenging task, calling all who work as Klown Doctors “heroes”.

Many relevant topics were discussed. Among others, questions were raised on the differences in humour according to different age groups, as well as dealing with the emotions involved in witnessing very ill children.

The direct and down-to-earth approach taken by Williams was very much appreciated by all those present, and his hilarious take on the phenomenon of ‘the selfie’ when asked to take a photo with the whole group of volunteers will remain memorable.