SHOWZAM '11

The year it happened!

This year Blackpool really outdid itself – there is SO MUCH I could waffle on about but I will keep this strictly cinnamon donuts.

The carnival ball was actually a proper ball this year, featuring antony johns’ showgirls from the Pleasure Beach, a band, the always gorgeous broken heart dj’s and over 900 vvvvvvery well dressed patrons dancing late into the night.

The theme this year was the ‘Moulin Rouge’ but regardless of this I still took time out to have a good english cuppa tea and a piece of victoria sponge. I did two acts, including my Josephine Baker dance that lead to 2 very big holes in my expensive tights, but a new found love of sliding on the floor.

The Gorgeous Raphaelle Boitel otherwise known as my duck (affectionately) came over from Paris and twice a day in showzam central we presented a show called Exotica (Tim, the show was called EXOTICA)

Here we presented a mix of our best acts, contortion, the wing dance, the sword ladder and of course, some hoola hoops (this year with Light up hoops!) the best part of doing this show was the reactions from children; genuine fear when I walked up the ladder, laughing at my snake act ( which I think potentially IS funny) and the excitement over my Light up hoops – kids are the best!!

This year the side show boys were working extra hard (there were 4,000 people through the door on the first day! And a queue every morning before the doors opened.)

And Mr Marshall really outdid himself with a new illusion – the butterfly girl, a truly wondorous creation – and the front was painted by the ever talented Mark Copeland, So many times I caught myself staring at the huge laquered, jungle vision, dark green, orange, blue, red! SO BRIGHT – I saw this illusion over and over and loved it a little bit more each time– the mango tree that the butterfly girl eats from was my favourite part – so great!

This year as well as the side shows, there was the Petulengo’s ( LOVE THEM) and the café ( I will come back to this..) Dingles merchandise stand, the insect circus! which also equals having sarah around for many a philosophical chat over a pear or two..Dr Diablo and the Van Buren Magic Show!

We also had a new addition – Geoff and Narial and the pinball machines - or more importantly pinballs and a JUKEBOX!!!

I love a jukebox! And I love ‘river deep mountain high’ which was on maximum rotation.

Many people complimented my Koringa look as having a likeness to the Original which made me happy – but not as happy as when I met FLORENCE SHUFFLEBOTTOM!

What a brilliant name! and a brilliant woman! A snake charmer no less - an inspiration – she looked immaculate – dressed in a smart suit with a subtle animal print trim. We talked about Koringa and her time performing . She told me the most romantic stories about how when she left home to be wed her 3 faithful snakes all died immediately. And we walked around arm in arm whilst she told me over and over to not invest in a boa – because they would only be trouble and die young – but really what I wanted was I python ( I DO NOT want a python for the record) because they are sweet loving, gentle, loyal friends, that just like to be stroked under the chin.

Well.

That sounds just so sweet.

meanwhile, the saddest thing this year was that I missed the tower circus -Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

All their showtimes clashed with our shows which was infuriating – next year I will check in advance.. allegedly there was a terrifying highwire act! Which was performed over the water filled stage, and a wheel of death act! Performed by the same mad man.

Next year next year..

Antony got involved in Showzam too this year opening the phenomenal costume collection of the pleasure beach to the general public – everyone who went on the tour was amazed at the collection – which I can say was totally intoxicating and migraine material when I saw it last year – its BETTER than Charlie and the chocolate factory. Amy hosted the crack! At The Grand and it was super nice to sit in the audience and watch a show! And extra great because Mr Pfister was in the show too! Amy looked gorgeous swanning around stage in a variety of outfits ( quickchange acts look out) and Phil was as ever a handsome host.

This year there was some super fun new faces, for one the cast of soap – which meant lots of fun dancefloor times, the ‘slightly fat features’ boys who are all LEGENDS and I think by the end loved blackpool a lot too.

Also there were european producers, young people, film makers, and Gerry Cottle! All the greats were out and a lot of new people experienced their first showzam, some had travelled from London and Birmingham, but some who had travelled as far as Spain to come and be part of this ever growing festival! It made me so happy to see it really spike in popularity this year and to have such a strong and loving family team that is continuing to push the quality of work and performances that we have to offer.

Meanwhile meanwhile.. Amy and I hit the spa a lot – that was SO needed and SO good.

The Duck was initiated to every seaside habit I have, donuts for breakfast, warm ups that consist of eating hot foods and putting on costumes at the same time.

Vanessa launched her book at the pleasure beach and THEY TURNED ON THE ILLUMINATIONS FOR THE OCCASION! (you know you have made it when..)

Shares in MnS salads went through the roof (but where oh where has the edamame salad gone????)

The Wintergarden restoration was unveiled AFTER the magicians cleared out – they were as unfriendly as ever – and the place looks truly stunning – the lights the shiny glass ceiling, I walked through there as much as possible..

AMY AND I WENT TO THE FOOTBALL.

I know I was there for the ‘festival of new circus variety and magic’ BUT WE WENT TO THE FOOTBALL. And it was Ace – and we were like a lucky charm bc blackpool beat Tottenham 3-1, and have lost ever match since (cmooon you lot.) I sent them fan mail and we got a signed programme from all the players (score!)

Nancy was so grown up! And as lovely as ever – and her super lovely family invited me around for a home cooked, delicious, meal on the last night – totally needed and appreciated! Nancy and I will be doing a show later in the year at jacksons lane - look out!

I saw mark raffles on a few occasions and was so happy to see him as always, he always makes me so happy.

Wannee wah wah’s became our local as per, but we also made it to the steak house next door one night – where to my delight they took our picture and promised us that next time we would be on the wall of fame (made it) I ate so many scones that I am done for the year (such a liar I am having a cream tea at Albion as I write this) and I had some great hot chips. But let me say this:

Dear new café in Olympia without the nice ladies that used to work there:

Where oh where did the chip butty’s go?! This is not the blackpool I remember? That I grew to love! What. is going on? Please. someone bring them back for next year. I know they are the most unhealthy thing in the world but they are practically a national icon – a tradition – a nod to the north. Olympia just wasn’t the same without that snack time safety net. But hey, if I had to choose between that and the new fancy red carpet – ill take the carpet ! talk about happy! We were all grinning every morning – pre coffee! Someone did the right thing there. GENIUS!

And so till next year –

For now, the Tom Norman is packed up. The lightbulbs unscrewed (I did that bit – that’s what I am going to do for a living when I retire – I love lightbulbs) and the under 16 Showzam fanclub is back at school. I hope.

CANT WAIT TO DO IT ALL AGAIN.

Peaceful, revived, invigorated and hopeful.

Showzam central is like wheatgrass for my life. If wheatgrass was delicious, and very colourful.

xx