The British Puppet Guild and The Belgrade Theatre invite you to join us to celebrate 100 years of British Puppetry.
With your compere Tony Lidington, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Hewlett, Hacker the Dog, Zippy, Michel Jordan’s HIGH JINX Magic Illusion and Circus.
Plus Alec Powell, Michael Dixon, Drew Colby and Scott Penrose.
Acts include the magical Victorian Automatons of Scott Penrose, the hand artistry of Drew Colby’s shadow act, the cabaret marionettes of Michael Dixon, comedy magic with Alec Powell, more comedy with Steve Hewlett, top ventriloquist and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, topped off with the circus skills and illusions of Blackpool Tower favourite, the exuberant Michael Jordan’s, Hi Jinx. All presented by your compere, the unique Tony Lidington.
Tony Lidington
Our compere Tony has been a showman for over 30 years. He is a well-respected authority on British popular entertainment forms and works with many academic institutions and archives.
Scott Penrose
Magician and magic consultant, Scott, is a former President of The Magic Circle, having been proposed for the post by Paul Daniels. Tonight, he presents his Magical Victorian Automata, which he completely restored himself.
Drew Colby
Drew brings us the ancient art of Hand Shadows (or Shadowgraphy) – the art of creating and animating shadow images using little more than the performer’s hands. In Drew Colby’s hands, the artform is a source of comedy, beauty and wonder.
Michael Dixon’s Cabaret Marionettes
Michael is the Chair of the British Puppet Guild and Archivist. He also owns the Harlequin Puppet Theatre in Rhos on Sea. Assisted there and here by Ian Denny and Glynn Holden, master puppeteers with incredible CVs, they will present three oversize, rarely seen marionettes.
Alec Powell
Alec has been involved in magic for most of his life. You would think he would be better at it by now. Winner of a number of magic comedy awards, he also appeared a number of times on the Ken Dodd Happiness Show.
High Jinx
Michael Jordan’s HIGH JINX magic, illusion and circus show, featuring grand illusions, crazy circus thrills and extraordinary tricks, will keep you on the edge of your seat. Appearances on ITV’s Penn and Teller Fool Us back in 2011 led him to theatre tours and corporate work, culminating in him producing his own full length show, which has been a highlight for families visiting Blackpool for the past six years.
Steve Hewlett
A finalist on Britain’s Got Talent, Steve’s career has lead him to many countries and solo UK tours. Recognised as a top international ventriloquists (pictured here with Arthur Lager), we are delighted he is able to join us.
