Humbug - A celebration of Barnum
2010 will be the 200th anniversary P.T Barnum (1810 – 1891), the inventor and pioneer of modern entertainment and universally acknowledged impresario whose influence still continues today. The exhibition will be curated by Professor Vanessa Toulmin and designed and incorporating specially commissioned pieces by Anthony Bennett, one of the most important sculptors working in the United Kingdom and Mark Copeland. Anthony Bennett will design and bring to Blackpool his sculpture of Barnum following on the success of the Great Omi last year. Mark Copeland of the Insect Circus will present design and create ten large scale banners illustrating aspects of Barnum’s life, his impact and the famous characters associated with him.
Cine Variety
A new edition to Showzam Central, Cine-Variety brings the early days of film and variety to Blackpool. In 1928, Tom Norman created his famous Palladium show – a travelling tent showcasing some of the best variety acts and film footage of all time. Packed away for the last 30 years, the world famous show will once again play host to the stars of magic, variety and film. Rare and unseen film footage from the Pleasure Beach’s Thompson family collection, the National Fairground Archive, Mancunian Films, North West Film Archive and the British Film Institute will be screened daily. Temple of Illusions, a magic show tribute, created by Fred and Andrew Van Buren, will celebrate the famous magicians; The Great Carmo, Koringa and Dr Walford Bodie who appeared in Tom Norman’s show.
Miss Behave presents Carnival Ball
Produced by Professor Vanessa Toulmin. Prepare for an evening of Brazillian beauties and hot cabaret in the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom with dancing, cabaret and hot sizzling tango from top international stars of new variety. A tribute to the spirit of Brazil, and hosted by the talented and stunning Miss Behave, Carnival Ball features burlesque beauty Amber Topaz, calypso Queen Marawa, World Vice-Champions of the Same Sex ballroom scene the Sugar Dandies, the highly-skilled Romany Diva of Magic, the operatic magic of Le Gateau Chocolat and live musical entertainment with the vibrant Coco Xpress.
Side Shows
Jon Marshall’s sideshow illusions return to Showzam bringing a collection of 1950’s Jon Gresham’s side shows. The original show fronts and contents, some of which have not been seen for 45 years, have been renovated to bring old thrills to new audiences, including the Headless Lady, the Girl in the Goldfish Bowl, and the Monster Show.
Flea Circus
Years ago the Flea Circus was a popular attraction in Blackpool; one of the first, Professor Vidoco’s Circus was seen in 1887 in Church Street. Professor Jon will exhibit his modern Flea Circus in Edwardian tradition with displays of Flea information and some early Blackpool Flea Circus postcards.
Insect Circus Museum
Housed in a vintage, mahogany lined, Bedford TK beetlebox lorry, this unique museum displays a stunning array of costumes, props, puppets, toys and ephemera from the extraordinary collection of the Insect Circus Society. Spanning more than three centuries, and covering many continents, this is undeniably the finest museum of its kind in the world.
Matcham Tour
Explore the beauty and wealth of Matcham architecture that remains in Blackpool taking in The Grand, Blackpool Tower Circus and Ballroom, and ending in the Winter Gardens.
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For the third year running the National Fairground Archive at the University of Sheffield Library is thrilled to be working in collaboration with Visit Blackpool as part of our ongoing work with Blackpool Council. Showzam! is a celebration of Blackpool’s deep-rooted tradition of high-quality entertainment with stars from around the world. This is Blackpool’s third festival of circus, magic and new variety and will be an exciting 10 days of world-class shows and events.
After last year's amazing festival the National Fairground Archive is thrilled to be curating and producing part of the exhilarating line up for Showzam! 2010 - our contributions include:
CARNIVAL BALL - Produced by Professor Vanessa Toulmin and presented by Miss Behave, prepare for an evening of Brazillian beauties and hot cabaret in the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom with dancing, cabaret and hot sizzling tango from top international stars of new variety.
HUMBUG - A CELEBRATION OF BARNUM - A stunning exhibition curated by Professor Vanessa Toulmin, incorporating specially commissioned pieces by Anthony Bennett and Mark Copeland. Anthony Bennett will design and bring to Blackpool his sculpture of Barnum whilst Mark Copeland (Insect Circus) will present design and create ten large scale banners illustrating aspects of Barnum’s life.
CINE-VARIETY - In 1928, Tom Norman created his famous Palladium show – a travelling tent showcasing some of the best variety acts and film footage of all time. Packed away for the last 30 years, the world famous show will once again play host to the stars of magic, variety and film. Rare and unseen footage will be screened daily.
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