Are
you looking for something different for your entertainment?
Definitely different?
Different from anything you've seen before?
Sideshow Illusions present sideshow spectacle in the tradition
of the classic fairground sideshows.
Self-contained
Our shows are completely self contained and our small team
of experienced performers, designers and technicians will
provide shows tailored to your needs. We carry our own lighting
and sound suitable for most venues.
Book a show
The Shows can be hired singly. Each consecutive presentation
is suitable for viewing by 15 to 20 people at a time and lasts
5 to 10 minutes.
A complete promenade production with up to four Sideshows
and additional acts can be presented lasting up to 45 minutes
(45 minutes - a real Carnival of Wonders)
1950s, 60s,Victorian and other themes
All the shows can be dressed to suit 1950s, Victorian or other
styles, themes and periods.
Yvette
– The Headless Lady
Twilight Time Thrills and Chills! This show is darker and mysterious.
Yvette is kept alive by the miracles of modern medicine. Well,
modern as in all those glorious 50s Sci Fi B movies. The ones
that inspired The Rocky Horror Show! “There is
nothing to disgust or alarm, this show is suitable for all the
family,” says the plumy, BBC voiced lecturer. But, be
warned, Jon Gresham always kept smelling salts on hand for those
that fainted!
Technical –
floor space – 7.5mx4.5m (25’x12’)
height – min 3.5m (10’)
2 x 13amp sockets required
Gloria
– The Living Half Lady
Alive Inside! A real P T Barnum style, freak show that audiences
can’t tear their eyes off! It’s completely riveting.
And it’s hilarious too.
We have used the original fairground artwork and rebuilt the
interior. The show has been completely restaged and dramatised
from the original spiel but with a comic twist. This show is
a masterpiece of illusion art based on a creation of the 1800s,
it’s deviously deceptive. When Gloria wants to know what
has become of her appendages and decides to spill the beans
to the audience watch out as the sparks fly!
Technical –
floor space - 6.5mx3.5m (20’x10’)
height – min 3m (9’)
2 x 13 amp sockets required
Cleo
–The Girl in the Goldfish Bowl
Glug Glug! This show is a real tease, it’s tantalising
as the audience wait to see Cleo, and she sees them! She waves,
she laughs, this show is full of fun. It evokes the spirit of
1960 when she was first introduced to the UK by Jon Gresham.It’s
Happy Days, Bobby Darin, Teddy Boys and Itsy Bitsy
Yellow Polka Dot Bikini all in one unexplainable sideshow.
Technical –
floor space - 6.5mx3.5m (20’x10’)
height – min 3m (9’)
2 x 13 amp sockets required
Our
shows are guaranteed to produce amazement and mystery
and
plenty of smiles!
Cleo’s
restoration was featured on Yorkshire Television
Press & Credits
Jon Marshall has lectured on Sideshows for societies in Birmingham,
Blackburn, Hull, for The International Brotherhood of Magicians' British
Ring Convention in Southport and for The Magic Circle Collectors’
Day in London.
In 2005 Jon was invited by Dr Vanessa Toulmin to talk and present
Cleo - The Girl in the Goldfish Bowl at Visual Delights III organised
by the National Fairground Archive, University of Sheffield.
The Living Half Lady appeared at the BMS Banquet at the Ramada Jervis,
Birmingham in March 2007.
Cabinet of Curiosities - Winter Gardens Blackpool July 2007 - the
Girl in
the Goldfish Bowl, the Headless Lady and eight original sideshows
constructed.
We have appeared in The Guardian, Blackpool Gazette, Yorkshire Post,
and on television: BBC North West Tonight, The Richard & Judy
Show, Channel 4. The Paul O'Grady Show Halloween Special, Channel
4.
Contact us to discuss
how we may present our shows for you, we guarantee an experience impossible
to forget or duplicate and one enjoyable for all ages.
