For Victorian Christmas Markets, festivals and events, we present a pair of Dickensian Victorian-esque and rogue-ish chaps who will thrill your corporate, private or public audience with conjuring of the finest & funniest order.
These characters present short shows to gathered audiences in a set location or among the crowds. Close up table magic may also be available depending upon the event.
For yuletide fayres, festivals and festivities of all variety throughout the year, we bring you the inimitable Archibald Grottlington Esq., and Herbert Skittle, also Esq. These gentlemen of the arts have been plucked from the very heights of magnificence by the most venerable Mr Fanshaw himself, and are warranted to please our patrons with gloriously ponderous prestidigitatory predicaments.
”The two Victorian Rogues made one of the funniest moments of 2013. Pure class. Absolute genius. Thank you so much; you made the day and so many people are talking about you still!”Byron Evans, Organiser Llantwit Major Victorian Fayre 2013
”Absolutely fantastic. Really brought the crowd alive!”
Ruth Wakeling, Organiser Melton Mowbray Victorian Fayre 2013”That was simply brilliant. We’ll be booking you for next year!”
Production 78, Organisers of Bryngarw Country House Victorian Weekend 2013
The Act
Working as both a static and moving magical entertainment at Victorian Dickensian themed markets around Christmas and throughout the year, Fanshaw’s is ideally suited to fit into virtually any environment or situation.
Static Fanshaw’s
Whether you choose to have Fanshaw’s rolling fifteen minute magic shows, or you’d prefer up to three different thirty to forty five minute shows over the course of an event, Archie and Bert work together, each taking it in turn to stand behind their raised conjuring platform to involve the gathered audience in incredible feats of sleight of hand and swindling chicanery. As the dubious duo weave their Cockney bunkum, laughs come thick and fast as the audience quickly realise this is more than just a couple of proficient magicians dressing up, this is a proper little theatrical show.
Walkabout Fanshaw’s
As well as, or instead of, static Fanshaw’s, Archie and Bert are more than happy to stroll about at a venue or event. Depending on the size of the event, Archie and Bert can work as individuals doing close-up magic at dinner tables, or – if the environment is suitable – they can work as a strolling double act; setting up ‘showettes’ wherever they draw a crowd. Traditionally called ‘Door Shows’, these impromptu little shows really do capture the essence of the Victorian strolling street entertainer.
Mix and Match
It might be that your event would suit a mix of walkabout and static entertainment, and this is where comical character entertainment can really come into its own. Whilst initially walking about or working at tables, Archie and Bert are able to advertise their upcoming static show in another part of the venue or on the main stage. This ‘pre-advertising’ can create a great sense of anticipation and can generate a wonderful focal point to an evening or event. Having worked virtually every type of event and audience imaginable, Jasper and Frank are very adept at making any event come alive.
Typical Booking
We were asked by a client to provide entertainment for their vast Victorian Fayre in a town centre in the run up to Christmas. They requested we perform 3 x 45 minute shows over a four hour period in several different locations.
With the roads closed off to traffic, Fanshaw’s worked in several largish open street areas besides traditional Christmas market stall holders. After gathering crowds between sixty and a hundred strong, we soon had the street filled with laughter and applause. From side-show cons to escapology to mind-reading and illusion, the client was thrilled and the compliments from the crowd were fantastic, with many of the audience staying afterwards asking to pose for photos. Using our sack truck we were able to wheel our way through the streets and promote our next different show and appearance in another location. We were delighted to see quite a number of the crowd actually saw all three different shows over the whole afternoon.
Having seen and heard the reaction of the act, the client changed the running order of the main stage and asked us to perform on it to a large gathered crowd.
It was a great event and the response was fantastic, several locals even commented that they’d been coming for over a decade to the fayre and that Fanshaw’s was easily one of the best things they’d seen there.