At long last Toronto Renaissance Man Kelly Clipperton debuts his one-man-ladycabaret-show, a wildly entertaining evening of personal stories embedded in songs from Kelly’s catalogue, and popular favourites from the past. Shaped by Toronto theatre veteran Naomi Campbell and accompanied by a hot 5-piece-band led by Musical Director Janet Whiteway, Let’s Assume I Know Nothing, And Move Forward From There tells the fabulous and colourful story of this out and proud 55-year-old, tempered by the loss of his father, the legendary community leader and award-winning musician Gary Clipperton, through vascular dementia in 2023.

Let’s Assume I Know Nothing, And Move Forward From There began development in late 2023 when Clipperton, who was mourning the death of his father, reached out to longtime friend, Campbell with an idea.  “I have these pages and pages of notes and stories that I’ve been adding to for the better part of 10 years, and I’ve recently performed a few cabaret-ish type
numbers in town. Would you be interested in seeing where this goes?” The two began collaborating on what would eventually become the inaugural presentation of the show at The Monarch Tavern, in May 2024. What was intended as a workshop presentation quickly developed into a fully realized vision. Two shows sold out in a week.

“When Kelly called and asked if he could read me some writing I immediately said yes. Of course!” said Campbell. “We have been friends for years but I have also, always, been a fan. I knew that Kelly would have the beginnings of something very special, and I wasn’t wrong. Working together over the last year and a half has been so gratifying. We’re building a show which will be very entertaining, with lots of hot music and energy, but which also tells stories from a life that hasn’t always been easy, and has ached with grief. So, there is a lot of truth in it, and also a lot to celebrate. It’s going to be a blast.”

Clipperton has worked tirelessly in Toronto’s cultural scene for over three decades. His bands, most notably The Kellygirls, released a dozen albums and toured the country and abroad. He has exhibited his photographic work, and produced accompanying books, for the past 25 years; his direction and costume design give his bands’ videos their spectacular and distinct style. His recently re-launched site kellyclipperton.ca chronicles it all. Campbell recently completed a successful tenure as Luminato Festival Toronto’s Artistic Director and has worked internationally as an award-winning producer, director and arts leader. Accomplishments include Walk with Amal Toronto, Edward Burtynsky’s In the Wake of Progress, The Life and Death of Marina Abramović, Haircuts by Children and Apocalypsis.

Let’s Assume I Know Nothing, And Move Forward From There – March 4 – 16, 2025. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street, Toronto – TICKETS

Written + performed by Kelly Clipperton
Directed by Naomi Campbell
Musical Direction + Piano Janet Whiteway
Sax + Flute Carrie Chesnutt
Guitar Tak Arikushi
Bass Oriana Barbato
Drums Karl Anderson
Choreography Shane MacKinnon
Lighting Design Christian Horoszczak
Sound + Visual Design Josh Miles Joudrie
Production + Stage Management Pip Bradford
Produced by Kelly Clipperton + Naomi Campbell

 

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.