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Blackpool Tower Circus (Established 1894)

 Organisation

Dates

  • Existence: Established 14 May 1894

Biography

Blackpool Tower Circus opened on 14 May 1894 at the base of the Blackpool Tower. The Tower Circus is one of the only static circuses in existence in the United Kingdom and only one of two Victorian circuses, which are still in use today. It is also one of four circuses in the world to lower into a pool of water and display aquatic shows.

The original interior design of the circus was heavily influenced by the Orientalist style popular at the turn of the twentieth century. In 1900, the circus was redecorated by English architect Frank Matcham (1845-1920), who specialised in the design of theatres and music halls. The new design created the feeling of luxury with Italian marble covering walls and floors and a vaulted ceiling with lavish patterns.

As well as the traditional equestrian acts and the novel aquatic acts, the circus presented a variety of other entertainments, including clowns and feasts of aerial acts. Wild animal acts remained an important part of the shows until 1990. The Tower Circus has always been renowned for attracting some of the best clowns and Ringmasters in the wold. Charlie Cairoli held a residency at the Tower for thirty nine years while Norman Barrett was the Tower’s Ringmaster for twenty five and George Lockhart held the same post for thirty one years.

Today, the circus is managed by the Endresz-Roberts family, which has a long legacy in British and European circus. Laci Endresz Snr. is the producer and director of the shows, while his sons are the resident clowns Mooky and Mr Boo.

Found in 104 Collections and/or Records:

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1966

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.195
Scope and Contents Charlie Cairoli and his Company, Gerd Siemoneit's lions, tigers, leopards, pumas and panther, Ruppert's bears, Rogana, Seven Lukacs, Jörgen and Conny, Desmond and Marks, Circus A. Althoff's Eight Arab Liberty horses presented by Franz Althoff Jnr, Maryse Begary, Tower Circusettes, Roberto Mariani Trio, Triple High School by Franz Althoff Jnr, Elene Althoff and Evi Barrtch, 5 Medifreds, The Ascots. Colour illustrations of a clown, a leopard, a panther and a bear on a tall bicycle, type and...
Dates: 1966

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1967

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.196
Scope and Contents

Charlie Cairoli and his Company, Flying Leotaris, Taras Bulba and his tigers, Max and Barbara Morris with their sea-lions, Tibor Alexander and his Dog Revue, The 3 Villams, Tower Circusettes, Baily Fossettt's elephants and ponies presented by Ivor Rosaire, The Great Barton, Jean Claude, Gina The Girl in the Moon, Goldy the horse with Jack Rosaire, The Gerardis, Desmond and Marks, The Wilsons. Colour illustration of a clown, type and background multicoloured. Printed by W. E. Berry Ltd.

Dates: 1967

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1965

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.197
Scope and Contents Charlie Cairoli and his Company, Ferdinando Jarz Troupe, Robert Bros 5 baby elephants presented by Dickie Baker, 3 Merkys, D'Angoly Jnr, Arno and Rita Van Bolen, The Tower Circusettes, Circus A. Althoff's Liberty horses presented by F R Althoff, Circus A Althoff's Shetland ponies presented by Helene Althoff, Hoppe's kicking mule, 8 Jungle Queens presented by Captain Sidney Howes, 6 Biasinis, 5 Olanders, Skating Bredos, Dogsi's football dogs, The Trio Puerto Rico, Alma Piana. Colour...
Dates: 1965

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1964

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.198
Scope and Contents Charlie Cairoli and his Company clown, The Flying Marilees, Lilian Daniels and her polar bears, Konyot's chimpanzee rodeo, The Four Rodriguez, Circus Schumann's 12 Liberty horses presented by Billy Baker, Desmond and Marks, The Guttenbergs, Fuzzy-Ball Kaye and Tiny Tommy Gallaher, Kimi Yokoi, See-Hee Troupe, Bartschelly, Evelyn Hans and her poodles, Rudi Llata. Colour illustrations of clowns, a chimp dressed as a cowboy, a polar bear, the 4 Rodriguez, Kimi Yokoi and two poodles, main...
Dates: 1964

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1968

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.199
Scope and Contents

Charlie Cairoli and his Company clowns, Gerd Siemoneit's lions, tigers, leopards, pumas and panther, 6 Kludsky, Chy Bad Guy, The Four Rodriguez aerial acrobats, The Svenssons, Gabriella and her show dogs, Astralita, The Balcombes, Ivan Bratuchin and his Cossack riders, Concha and Concha, Giselle Palmas, Tower Circusettes, Desmond and Marks. Black and white photograph of a clown, type multicoloured on multicoloured background.

Dates: 1968

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1969

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.200
Scope and Contents

Charlie Cairoli and his Company, Flying Marilees, Circus Franz Althoff's 7 tigers presented by Miss Yvonne, Circus Franz Althoff's elephants presented by F R Althoff, 8 Danish Tiger horses and ponies presented by F.R. Althoff, 6 Ferkos, 4 Castors, 4 Bertolas, jockey chimpanzees presented by Al de Jonghe, Toly M, Tower Circusettes, Desmond and Marks. Black and white photograph of a clown, type multicoloured on multicoloured background.

Dates: 1969

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1970

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.201
Scope and Contents

Charlie Cairoli and his Company, Ruppert's bears, Valla Bertini Troupe, The Elwardos, Barbara Morris and her sea lions, The Svensons, The New Houdinys, David Rosaire and his Perky Pekes, Gerard Edon, Desmond and Marks, Freddie Kenton, Skating Sandras, The Charlies, Tower Circusettes. Small black and white photograph of a clown and black and white illustration of blackpool tower, type multicoloured on multicoloured background.

Dates: 1970

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1971

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.202
Scope and Contents Charlie Cairoli and his Company clowns, The Flying Alizes, Robert Bros elephants presented by Ivor Rosaire, Duo Dobritch, Three Villams, The Crazy Monroe, Arturo Segura, Jean Lemoine and Partner, Leigh Marsh and her poodle cocktail, Joan Rosaire and Goldy, Desmond and Marks, Jerry, Jimmy and Johnny, Tower Circusettes, Hungarian State Circus Four Syrius. Black and white photograph of a clown, colour illustrations of trapeze artists, an elephant, performing dogs in clothes, a horse and a water...
Dates: 1971

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1955

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.203
Scope and Contents Charlie Cairoli with Paul clowns, Harry Belli and his lions, Armand Guerre's musical sea lions, Scriplini and his chimpanzees, Trampo-Tempo, 5 Armandis, The Cuban Boys, 2 Berty Borest, Alcetty, 3 Orfatis, Wenzel Kossmayer with Knie's horses and 6 baby elephants, The Garlands, Traffic Lights, Giant and Midget presentations, Western playtime and Spanish Fiesta presented by Douglas Kossmayer, The Tower Circusettes, Frances Duncan. Colour illustrations of a clown, four chimpanzees, three lions,...
Dates: 1955

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1956

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.204
Scope and Contents Charlie Cairoli with Paul, Krone's tigers presented by Gilbert Houcke, Edith Crocker's bears, Five D'Angoly's, See-Hee Troupe, The Heltanos, The Zemgannos, Tom and Jerry, Theda Sisters, The Matanzas, Tibor Dog, Alexander's Revue, King Kong, Krone's Arab stallions, the golden horses Pegasus with the elephant Lony, Piebald stallions and Shetland ponies presented by Jozsi Vinicky. Colour illustrations of a clown, four tigers, a strongman, dogs on a slide, horses, a chimpanzee climbing a pole,...
Dates: 1956

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, c1950 - 1959

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.205
Scope and Contents Charlie Cairoli with Paul and Company, Knie's sea lions presented by Miss Hella, Gilbert Houcke with the Royal Bengal tigers, Pierre Alizes with Jacques and Maryse, The Seven Ashtons, Roberto Chiesa and Partner, The 3 Peters, Baudy's greyhounds and monkeys, Knie's 12 black horses presented by Maurice Houcke, The Dorchesters with the 3 Scott Boys, Eileen, Jean, Anne and Hilary presented by Delbosq, The 3 Goetschis, The Balcombes, The Laconas, The Dorocinas presented by Delbosq, Jimmy Scott,...
Dates: c1950 - 1959

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1960

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.141
Scope and Contents Charlie Cairoli and his Company clown, The Bob Gerry Troupe, 5amandis, Knie's Chimpanzees by Dudi Smith, The Myrons, Fattini, Schaller Bros, 2 Balcombes, 3 Houcs, The Cycling Therons, King King, Our Sammy, Little Jimmy, Gerb Siemoneit's animals from Benneweis, Sacha Houke presents Knie's Horses, Rupert Bemmerl presents Knie's Elephants, Colour illustrations of a clown and clothed chimpanzees at the top, a lion and a tiger at the bottom, acts listed in multicoloured fonts against...
Dates: 1960

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1961

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.142
Scope and Contents Charlie Cairoli and his Company clown, The Schickler Sisters, Knie's Lippizanas, ponies and mules presented by Sacha Houke, Four Palacios, Circus Roland's Tigers presented by Charley Baumann, The Berosinis, Rudy Horn, 3 Lorrandos, Moni the Wonder smoking elephant presented by Monique, The Sydney Boxing Kangaroo, Five Elwardos, the Golden Gladiators, Little Jimmy, Our Sammy, Captain Danion's sea lions, Lilian Kenny. Colour illustrations of a clown, a horse, a tiger, an elephant and a sea lion...
Dates: 1961

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1951

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.143
Scope and Contents Charlie Cairoli with Paul clowns, Oscar Konyot with his lions, Knie's chimpanzees presented by Mr and Mrs Smith, Knie's French horses presented by W Kossmayer, The Great Alexander Troupe, Victor Julian and his Pets, Knie's Tiger horses and ponies, The Four Richy's, 3 Lorandos, The Mars Troupe, The Arrigonis, 3 Houcs, Jimmy Scott, Annette's Circusettes, Little Jimmy, The Flying Constellation. Colour illustrations of a clown, chimps and dogs in clothes, a lion, a trapeze act and horses with a...
Dates: 1951

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1958

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.144
Scope and Contents Charlie Cairoli with Paul clown, Three Merkys comedy acrobats, Rih-Aruso, Mills' Boxing chimpanzees presented by William Lenz, Knie's panthers, tigers, lions, polar and black bears and leopards presented by Eugen Weidman, Knei's sea lions, 6 Flying De Pauls, 3 Antares, 3 Chiesas, Maurice and May, Alma Piaia, Ivan Bratuchin and his Cossack Riders, Krone's Liberty Horses presented by Jozsi Vinicky, Manja Vinicky and her High School Acts, Little Jimmy. Colour illustrations of a clown, a tiger,...
Dates: 1958

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1964

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.145
Scope and Contents Charlie Cairoli and his Company clown, The Flying Marilees, Lilian Daniels and her polar bears, Konyot's chimpanzee rodeo, The Four Rodriguez, Circus Schumann's 12 Liberty horses presented by Billy Baker, Desmond and Marks, The Guttenbergs, Fuzzy-Ball Kaye and Tiny Tommy Gallaher, Kimi Yokoi, See-Hee Troupe, Bartschelly, Evelyn Hans and her poodles, Rudi Llata. Colour illustrations of clowns, a chimp dressed as a cowboy, a polar bear, the 4 Rodriguez, Kimi Yokoi and two poodles, main...
Dates: 1964

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1949

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.147
Scope and Contents

Felix with his tigers and lions, The Cairolis musical clowns, Bertram Mills' Liberty horses, Coco the clown with Michael and Tamara, Victor Barna v Alec Brook table tennis champions, Rassana queen of the air, Jon high school act, The Circusettes, Dood.

Dates: 1949

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1936

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.148
Scope and Contents

Jenny and Piccolo elephants and clowns, Los Aseveras equestrian act, Sensational Berosinis high wire, Khayyam Troupe springboard acrobats, Sandor Karoly 5 equestrian act, 4 Famous Phillips equilibrists, Doodles, Nico and Alex clowns, 3 van Normans, Ballet d'Cirque, The Edmondos horeback juggler, Christian's poodles, Paul Paetzold and Co cycling comedians. Colour illustrations of an elephant, a man and a woman on horseback and an arabian palace and lake. Printed by W. E. Berry Ltd.

Dates: 1936

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, c1933 - 1990

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.149
Scope and Contents

Alfred Court with his Monarchs of the Jungle, Flying Codonas, Maximilian Truzzi juggler, Karolly Troupe equestrians, Cooke's Pony Revue, comedy jazz and boxing ponies, Gordon and Lester comedy acrobats, Ilés and Loyal, Nico and Nico, Six Rolling Wonder Girls, Loretta Ballet, Doodles, 3 van Normans, Marton Sisters. Colour illustrations of a lion, tiger, polar bear, leopard, the 3 Codonas and a couple in Edwardian costume roller skating. Printed by W. E. Berry Ltd.

Dates: c1933 - 1990

Blackpool Tower Circus Poster, 1943

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.150
Scope and Contents

Felix with his tigers and lions, The Cairolis musical clowns, Bertram Mills' Liberty horses, Coco the clown with Michael and Tamara, Victor Barna v Alec Brook table tennis champions, Rassana queen of the air, Jon high school act, The Circusettes, Doodles, Yangtse Chinese, Zola and Mattie, Mills' elephant ballet, Cavalini's canine comedians. Main background blue with white stars, type multicoloured on multicoloured background. First performance during wartime. Printed by W. E. Berry

Dates: 1943