Spanning over 40 years Entertaining inside and outside at
the world-famous Blackpool Tower
As Blackpool Tower Ballroom will very much be in the spotlight this coming weekend it reminded me of a fun event I was invited to host at the Tower Ballroom at the end of last month courtesy of magician friend Russ Brown.
THE BLACKPOOL TOWER HALLOWEEN FAMILY PARTY 2023
It turned out to be another great experience working in this iconic landmark and was a hugely successful night.
At the end of the night it dawned on me that it was over 40 years ago when I first worked at the Blackpool Tower and as far as I can remember the first time I had actually performed in the Tower Ballroom.
Reflecting on my proud association with the building, I recalled the venues I actually had the privilege of performing in and surprised myself at how many places inside (and outside) the Tower I’d been professionally engaged.
So here goes, for the record…
In 1982 I landed my first ‘dream’ job as a ringboy (stage hand) working for one of the ‘Worlds Greatest Ringmasters’ Ever…Norman Barrett MBE.
I learned so much; and my enthusiasm for all things circus and the amount of hours I spent in between shows practising juggling must have caught the eye of Norman, as halfway through the season I was asked to stooge for Internationally famous clown family – The Rastelli Troupe for their famous ‘It’s A Knockout’ Water Entree.
Coming out of the audience as a ‘volunteer’ for the Rastelli Clowns ‘It’s a Knockout’ Water Entree.
That will be me dangling from the rope emptying the contents of the bucket onto Oreste Rastelli. Ringmaster Norman Barrett MBE looks on.
Always ended with an early bath!
Taking the Blackpool Tower circus animals onto Blackpool Beach for filming of the Russell Harty TV Show in 1982.
We were the best of friends until they started spitting at me!
Entertaining the queues and ‘Chief Barker’ outside!
In the mid 1990’s I enjoyed two seasons walking tall entertaining the crowds and selling the Tower Experience to passers by…
7 Levels of Fun
11 Fabulous Attractions
518 feet of Live Entertainment
I said (or barked) once or twice!
In 1996 I passed an audition with Ray Cornell Artistes & Productions to appear as Billy Bonzo ‘the Pantomime Clown’ in Blackpool Tower Circus‘ first ever Pantomime!
Billy Bonzo the Pantomime Clown at Blackpool Tower Circus first ever Pantomime.
The following two Summer Seasons I stepped in from the outside and had two fantastic years performing in the
World Famous Tower Circus Show
Mooky & Company – Clown Water Entree Promotion Photo Blackpool Tower Circus
Walking Tall at the Entrance to the Blackpool Tower Circus Ring Entrance.
In the role of Circus Ringmaster.
Playing the role of a Schmit Brother with Mooky
After returning from living in the Canary Islands in the mid 2000’s I had the pleasure of entertaining for two seasons in the Hornpipe Galley Family Bar on the fifth floor of Blackpool Tower. When the Hornpipe Galley was lost to refurbishment I performed next door in Jungle Jim’s Playland, then spent a Summer Season hosting in the Tower Lounge Family Bar before that became what it is today Harry Ramsdens Restaurant…and then in 2019 when Blackpool Tower opened it’s new Entertainment Venue ‘The Fifth Floor‘ I became one of Russ Brown’ Entertainment team entertaining throughout the latter part of 2019 and into 2020 until we were rudely interrupted by a certain pandemic!
Billboard for the Fifth Floor Venue at Blackpool Tower with Russ Brown and his team of Entertainers!
There have been many entertainers at the Blackpool Tower since it opened in 1894 but after this recollection I’m not sure many have entertained inside and outside, at as many locations of the magnificent building!
I’m asking myself ‘Have I created a record for the greatest number and variety of appearances?’
In the meantime I’d like to say to the Blackpool Tower, and the days of it’s 7 levels of fun, 11 fabulous attractions & 518 feet of live entertainment a great big massive 518 feet of thankyous!!!
