Members and Friends Specialities
David Jackson - Organgrinder
9 Edward Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5QS. Tel: 01553 768930
I have a 25-note street organ built by Alan Pell, which is mounted on a hand cart; and a 20-note street organ by Peter Trueman, which is carried on a shoulder strap. Both organs are operated by perforated music-rolls. Thus I can perform a wide range of favourite music - marches, waltzes, Music Hall items, popular songs, light classics, folk music etc. I have sufficient music-rolls to ensure that I can play for up to two hours without repeating a tune.
I specialise in making music at Victorian themed events. I am a regular performer at such annual events as Rochester Dickens Festival, Broadstairs Dickens Festival and Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival. I can appear in authentic costume for any period from 1820 to the present day, to add to the atmosphere of any themed event. However, I can also bring an extra dimension to all fetes, carnivals, and street festivals as well as promotional presentations and private bookings.
In addition to being an organ grinder, I also perform on the pipe-and-tabor. I am able to stroll around whilst playing these instruments, so spreading informal music throughout a large event.
I am a member of the British Organ Grinders Association. I have public liability insurance.
Thomas Edwin “Tommy” and Barbara
Wynberg, Dyffryn Road, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 6AN. Tel: 01597 823685
Tommy is a semi-professional magician - children’s entertainment, balloon-modelling, adult cabaret, comedy and close-up magic.
We perform comedy routines and old time Music Hall numbers and on a few occasions, have been film extras. We mainly take part in Dickensian, Victorian and 1940s events but, if called upon, would take part in almost anything!!!
We look upon ourselves as 20th century working class, aspiring to be 19th century middle class. We love all things old, including ourselves.
For further details contact Thomas Edwin and Barbara Brown
"Masquerade” - illusions, fire-eating, escapology and magic.
Dave & Sue Jarvis, 31 Boythorpe Ave, Boythorpe, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 2QE Tel: 01246 206840
Over the past few years we have often been asked if we could do something Victorian for various events. So due to popular demand we have put together a Victorian show, We have spent a lot of time over the last couple of years researching and recreating Victorian illusions from the great masters of magic, Houdin, Selbitt, Blackstone and Harry Houdini.
Such fantastic illusions as Robert Houdin’s Broomstick Illusion where a girl appears to float in mid air suspended only by a broom under her arm. We also pay tribute to Harry Houdini by performing the strait jacket escape, and Houdini’s world famous metamorphosis, in which two members of the public are invited on stage to check that all the apparatus, used is genuine. Dave is tied inside a sack and placed inside a locked trunk (an exact copy of Houdini’s original) Sue stands on top and raises the curtain and in the blink of an eye the metamorphosis is achieved, with a complete transformation, Dave free and Sue in the still locked trunk. This illusion is as baffling today as it was when Houdini first performed it in 1893 as Houdini said, “Without a single doubt the greatest mystery of the present time.”
For further information please visit our website or us via email.
Website: www.masquerade.name
Uncle John’s Magic Lantern has now retired...
1 Colmore Avenue, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 6AN. Tel: 0121 443 2054
John and Elizabeth, with a lifetimes experience are pleased to advise and help members. Still to be seen at some of our venues.
During the war, when ‘Uncle John’ was a small boy, he was given an old Victorian toy ‘magic lantern’ and he used it to give entertainment in the cellar where neighbours took refuge during the blitz. As soon as he was old enough, he went to work, where his first job was showing the advertising slides at the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre.
He spent his entire life in the theatre, specialising in stage lighting, but covering all aspects of backstage work. He now spends his retirement with his genuine 19th century lanterns and slides, giving his version of the original parlour entertainment of the mid 19th century.
Presentations used entirely original lanterns and slides, with accompanying recitations performed by a professional actor (on tape) and his sister Elizabeth.
The slides used range from early 19th century hand painted to fin de siecle photographic reproductions, and subject matter from nursery rhymes, through Dickens and temperance lectures to illustrated comic recitations and instructive pictorial tours, magically ‘moving’ illusions and chromotropes.
Mike & Dave Causer - Traditional Shoe Shine
32 Broughton Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B20 2PS. : Tel: 07754780244 (Mobile)
John Bull Promotions
Tel and Fax : 01789 762232
Please ring to discuss your requirements, daily fee and expenses information. Based in the Midlands. International events by arrangement. Also extensive gentleman's Victorian wardrobe with original photographic and other dress and accoutrements up to 1940s wartime period.
Jenny Edmiston - Picture the Past Photography
A Victorian style mobile photographic studio.
We provide costume and props and reproduce high quality Victorian style portraits.
An ideal attraction for Victorian Festivals or any fund raising event.
For bookings or more details contact Jenny Edmiston: 01588 660598
The Singing Sweeps
Contact: bevjames@hattrick1.freeserve.co.uk
Victorian Re-enactment Society
Having an Event or function during 2007? Let us turn it into a Royal Day for your Organisation with a Royal visit from no other person than Queen Victoria, her Household, Beefeater, and Escort.
Website: http://www.moranity.co.uk/victorian2007
Peter J Henderson - The Penny Farthing Man
You may sit on my High bicycle at your peril. l will ride it at mine - at your Victorian event. I have now ridden over 2000 miles since 1990, when I made the machine, a copy of an 1885 Singer twin tube fork. I completed 100 miles in one day with 30 other enthusiasts.
Based in the Birmingham area.
Website: www.beam.to/pennyfarthingtimes Email: reflectionspjh@blueyonder.co.uk
