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Inspired by the entertainment provided by Victorian carnivals and sideshows, Danse Macabre organised The Pit of Curiosities in the suitably atmospheric Pit and Pendulum pub in Nottingham. Five sideshow booths were created in the cellar and in each one was housed a curiosity which the public queued to see:
The Feejee Mermaid
Visitors were encouraged to seek the wise words of this fabled beast. Mat Douglas portrayed the legendary mythical creature of Barnum's day, aided and abetted by his octopus-limbed keeper Natasha Puszczynska (aka Emerald Ace).
The Tattooed Lady
This was a modern twist on the old sideshow favourite, with the caged and tattooed Zo� Dorman providing slow-moving physical dance and theatrical performance.
The Oracle
This proved to be the most popular booth, with long queues throughout the night seeking spiritual advice. Actress Hannah Stone providing an eccentric performance on a one-to-one basis with the help of her keeper Dal Whittaker Robinson.
The Conjoined Twin
This booth had the feel of a Victorian medical experiment with Dave Lankester performing as both twins looked after by his 'sister' Hannah Morgan. The prosthetic twin appeared courtesy of Jane Hyman his creator.
The Living Dead Doll
Guests were invited to take tea with this fragile beauty, under the watchful eye of her severe nanny. Laura Woods portrayed the doll with Carol Savage as her austere keeper, 'Nanny'. Jayne Hyman provided the special effects make-up. This booth also included artwork by Charlie Adamson, Victoria Thorpe.
This was the first major event hosted by Danse Macabre and proved to be a night of surreal and intriguing entertainment. There was also live stage performances including gothic fusion tribal belly-dance by Beatrice Flowers, burlesque by Emerald Ace with comp�re and mentalist Gary Dickinson presiding over them. Over 850 guests passed through the doors during the night creating a lively, if at sometimes crowded, atmosphere. This event attracted a wide cross-section of people which ranged from Friday night regulars, students, creative people to Light Night attendees.
Jody Capuano (Black No. 1 Alternative Arts Agency) had the concept for the event and along with Charlotte Thomson (Danse Macabre founder) and Carol Savage organised the performances in coordination with Matt Vickerstaff and Paul Bowring (the other Danse Macabre founders). Jayne Hyman provided her special effects expertise and created the Twin prosthetic and Living Dead Doll effect. Charlotte Thomson and Mat Douglas created the Feejee Mermaid. Eternal Spirits kindly provided their beautiful corsets to help create the decadent feel
The Pit of Curiosities took place on:
Friday 13th February at the Pit & Pendulum, 17 Victoria Street, Nottingham - from 8pm til late
Entrance was £1.00 on the door.
(part of Nottingham City Council's Light Night programme of events)
With thanks to:
Our Sponsors:
Steve at The Pit and Pendulum
Saul at Trent House Studios Photography (All Photos enclosed are courtesy of Trent House Studios)
Susi Henson at Eternal Spirits Bridal and Corsetry Emporium.
Our collaborators:
Jody Capuano, Carol Savage, Jane Hyman, Michael Cowell
All the actors and performers who collaborated with us on The Pit of Curiosities:
Zoe Dorman, Mat Douglas, Natasha Puszczynska, Dave, Hannah Jane Morgan, Laura Wood, Hannah Stone, Dal Whittaker Robinson
Our Usher/ettess:
Loran Paxton, Aneliese Jones, Ryan Cross, Rob Watts
Our Film Maker:
Mike Ross
And last but not least:
All the barstaff at the Pit and Pendulum!
Video footage on YouTube courtesy of Michael Ross:
See the photos on MySpace - link opens in a new window.
