“A further light on History”

The Magic Lantern Show

Here be Dragons has particular expertise in a number of periods of English history, notably the Tudors, Regency and Victorian. In the latter of these periods we can offer a notable, and rather unusual, entertainment the ‘Magic Lantern Show’. When Ellis joined the actors company of the newly opened Museum of the Moving Image in 1989, he developed a special area of interest, the Victorian ‘Magic Lantern Shows’.

Contact:
Ellis Charles Pike
admin@here-be-dragons.org.uk

Other useful links:Link to Museum of the Moving Image

Link to Players’ Theatre

His specially written “Magic Lantern Spectacular” and “Just a Song at Twilight” feature Lantern Showmen portrayed by Ellis and fellow performers, using genuine equipment well over a hundred years old, to recreate the spectacle of the Victorian Lantern Shows. These can be enhanced using other Victorian Entertainers including singers, musicians, and even a Male Voice Choir, all provided through Here be Dragons. These authentic entertainments have been seen at the Players’ Theatre, the British Museum, Brighton Royal Pavilion, Preston Manor, the Public Record Office, the ‘Moonshadow Festival’, Sevenoaks Stag theatre and heritage venues about the country.

As an accomplished Lantern Showman, Ellis performed in the ‘Cinema 100’ celebrations, notably at the launch before the Prince of Wales. Ellis is often called on by film and TV production companies to advise on the use of the Magic Lantern.