Crossword Genius

Seaside venue with rubbish panto figure (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pierrot

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'panto figure' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'seaside venue with rubbish' is the wordplay.
'seaside venue' becomes 'pier'.
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'rubbish' becomes 'rot' (both can mean nonsense).
'pier'+'rot'='PIERROT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pierrot that I've seen before include "Period; incantation" , "he's white-faced at work" , "French panto clown with whitened face" , "Seaside clown" , "French pantomime character with a white face" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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