About

Join us at Great Yarmouth Town Hall for a fascinating talk with Great Yarmouth Heritage Guides.

Pablo Fanque is the first recognised Black circus proprietor in Britain and was born in Norwich. Fanque presents an interesting phenomenon by contributing to popular culture over three centuries - his own, with regard to the development of circus entertainment in the 19th century; the late 20th century, as the subject of lyrics by John Lennon; the 21st, as an icon of multicultural Britain.

This talk uses his career to explore the growth of circus as an entertainment form and its contribution to popular culture. It covers the origins of circus and the 'industrialisation' of this form of performance; the circus apprentice system; moral attitudes towards women and children performance in the circus; the role of prejudice, race and entrepreneurism within Victorian society.

Speaker: Gareth Davies.

Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee on arrival, followed by the talk which will last approximately 50 minutes and the option to ask questions afterwards.

The nearest pay and display car park is located on King Street, just a short walk from the Town Hall.
Booking essential (by Sunday 12 October, 1pm). £5.50 per person.

Booking is essential. Click here to book now!