Afternoon Talk - Pablo Fanque's Fair and The Victorian Circus
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. Booking is recommended as seating is limited.
Price
Adults £2, NMS Passholders Free.
Description
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.
Booking is recommended as seating is limited.
Dates
Friday, 25 September 2026 • 14:00 - 15:00
Other Information
Booking is recommended as seating is limited.
Plan Your Visit
Find out more about visiting the museum - including how to get here, opening times and accessibility
Market Street
King’s Lynn
PE30 1NL
