From Birthday Parties to Massive Stage Shows,
Big Ben the Funnyman interviews all kinds of entertainers.
Lots of tips and funny stories from the periphery of show business!
Subscribe at:
Podomatic or iTunes
These podcasts are commercial free. They are entirely supported by donations from listeners. If you’d like to make a donation, please transfer any amount (especially a large one!) to:
HSBC benjamin matthews 043333418833 savings (Bank code: 004)
Supporters will receive a free gift, and discount prices on future bookings and shows. Many thanks!
93 – Steve Rawlings Part 2, Comedy Juggler, UK
Click here for photos and podcast interview
Steve Rawlings: UK Comedy Juggling Legend!! In Part 2 we talk about his amazing show that he has been working on since the 1980s. Lots of great tips and advice from a world class entertainer!
Top tips include:
- Beware of “act drift.” Sometimes you start adding stuff just to amuse yourself, but it doesn’t actually amuse the audience. So, check who is really laughing at your jokes. Get someone else to check your show. (In the above cases, Steve’s wife watched the show pointed out that a new rude gag wasn’t working. Yes, it got a big laugh from a few people, but most of the audience didn’t actually find it funny)
- Before the show, decide who might make a good “volunteer.”
My favourite obscure tips:
Dip your fire clubs in kerosene. Then squeeze them with an old towel. This will stop drips of fire spinning off.
We also talk about managers and agents, copying and originality, and how to keep your act fresh after 25 years: Basically, always add something new to your shows (even if it is just a tiny change).
You can find Steve Rawlings online at: http://steverawlingsjuggler.com/
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Check em all out. Google and youtube them!!! You will learn sooooo much
Circus Flic Flac, Sugar Babies, Mickey Rooney, Ann Miller, Michael Davis, Hale and Pace, The Royal Variety show, Butterfly Man, Stumpy the Clown, Pearse Halpenny, Sean Gandini, Pierre Hollins and also Steve’s son, Jay Rawlings
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
92 – Steve Rawlings Part 1, Comedy Juggler, UK
Click here for photos and podcast interview
SHOW NOTES:
Steve Rawlings: Comedy Juggling UK Legend!! In Part 1 we talk about the early part of his career: Learning to juggle in the 1980s, becoming a busker at Covent Garden in London and then working the British comedy club circuit. This is really fascinating stuff!
Top General tips include:
Use whatever microphone the venue has already set up.
Make a backup mic holder out of a clothes hanger
My favourite obscure tips:
Doing shows in cold weather: do a chin balance as your last trick, in case your hands have got too cold for juggling!!!!
In a comedy club, if you’re doing a prop act, go on as the closer, or ending the first half. Otherwise you won’t have time to clear all your props from the stage. This can also apply to corporate gigs.
You can find Steve Rawlings online at: http://steverawlingsjuggler.com/
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Check em all out. Google and youtube them!!! You will learn sooooo much
Circus Flic Flac, Sean Gandini, Original Mixture, Dave Spathaky and Chris Adams (the Amazing Mendezies), John Ballinger, Tim Bat, Eddie Izzard, Jack Dee, Butlins Holiday Camp, Paul Daniels, DM unicycles, Semcycles, Miyata, the comedy store, the Tunnel Club, Jongleurs Comedy clubs, the Marghonas, Sugar Babies, Mickey Rooney, Ann Miller, Michael Davis, Hale and Pace, The Royal Variety show. (Dave Spathaky later formed Ra Ra Zoo. And Chris Adams joined a group with Alex Dandridge called “Chris and Alex.”)
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
91 – Jessica Jane Part 2, Magician Entertainer and More, USA
Click here for photos and podcast interview
In this episode, we talk about Jessica Jane’s shows with Terry Evanswood in Pigeon Forge, and with Connie Booth on cruise ships. We also talk about her long running solo show at the Sweet Fanny Adams theatre in Gatlinburg.
My favourite tips and highlights:
Do your tried and tested routine, but to a different style of backing music! If you do a serious act, try it to goofy music (and vica versa). New ideas might emerge!
You can find Jessica Jane online at:
https://www.magicgatlinburg.com/
www.jessicajane.com
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Check em all out. Google and youtube them!!! You will learn sooooo much
Terry Evanswood, Ben Blaque, Circus Flic Flac, Steve and Jay Rawlings, Connie Boyd, Joanie Spina, https://www.audionetwork.com/ (for copyright free music), Niels Duinker (juggler), Magic Master Summit (with David DaVinci), Penn and Teller Fool Us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_ATHyx5UJs
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
90 – Jessica Jane Peterson, Magician (and Carnie and Vaudevillian!), USA
Click here for photos and podcast interview
I had a great time talking to amazing Jessica Jane Peterson. In part one of this interview we talk about her family background in magic, close up magic in casinos in Atlantic City, working in a Circus Sideshow and performing magic in a narrative play about the Romanovs!
You can find Jessica Jane online at:
https://www.jessicajane.com/
https://www.magicgatlinburg.com/
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Check em all out. Google and youtube them!!! You will learn sooooo much
Lance Burton, Al and Suzanne Belmont, Ward Hall’s World of Wonders (Sideshow), Alan St. George, Terry Evanswood, Pigeon Forge,
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
89 – Niels Duinker, Juggler and World Record Holder, Holland and the World
Click here for photos and podcast interview
Niels Duinker first thought of becoming a successful international performer when he was 12 years old, and well before the end of his teenage years his dream had become a reality.
Niels won a Gold Medal in the 2009 Taiwan Circus Festival and he has worked all over Europe, in Asia, and made special guest appearances in the United States.
Modestly beginning his career in a Rotterdam youth circus, Niels now spends his time jetting between high-profile engagements at theaters, casinos, cruise ships, theme parks, and corporate events. Regardless of the venue, audiences always embrace his energetic execution, boyish charm, and dynamic dexterity.
You can find Niels online at:
https://www.comedyjuggler.com/
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Check em all out. Google and youtube them!!! You will learn sooooo much
Comedy Barn Theatre, Anthony Gatto, Daniel Holzman, Freddy Kenton, Barry Friedman, http://www.getmorecorporategigs.com/ , http://www.braindrizzles.com/Home.html , Joanie Spina,
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
87 – Simon Wells, Unicyclist and Balloonist, Australia
Click here for video and podcast interview
Simon Wells is an extraordinary unicyclist and balloon artist, working in Australia.
Contact Simon on facebook at Simon the Balloon Man
and at newcircus@gmail.com
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Why compromise, when you can do something extraordinary!
Learning to unicycle: Look at a spot at eye height, in the distance
CONTENTS:
Unicon 2004, Daiki (Japanese unicyclist), Woodford Folk Festival, David and Terry Wells, Reg Bolton (Circus in A Suitcase), Juggling, Balloonist in Shopping Malls, Dealing with the queue for balloons, background music,
the show must go on!
- Doing shows when the music doesn’t work
- Doing shows when the unicycle breaks!
- Get rid of the quick release bolt because eventually it will hurt your leg!
Working solo vs. working in a group, tips on balloon twisting, a balloon cutter, Marketing (word of mouth, agents, facebook communities), the Australian scene (Importance of Expo 88, growth of street performances and circus schools), other sources of income and “Career Solutions for Creative People” by Dr. Ronda Ormont.
https://www.amazon.com/Career-Solutions-Creative-People-Artistic/dp/1581150911
More links:
Watch his tv advert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IooCpebaaeM
https://woodfordfolkfestival.com/
https://www.facebook.com/daiki.izumida
Reg Bolton:
http://www.librariansmatter.com/blog/2006/07/30/a-goodbye-celebration/
http://www.regbolton.org/why-circus-works-reg-bolton
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
86 – Transport Woes (Getting to the gig on time!)
Getting to the gig on time, can sometimes be more difficult than doing the gig itself.
Here are some tips, and some stories of woe!
Contributors include: Andy Comic, Cassie Thomas, Jose Almenarez, Jamey Mossengren and Big Ben.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Using a motor scooter or hiring a mininvan (for the whole day),
How not to leave props behind,
What to tell the client when you are running late,
Paying the wrong driver,
Finding out too late, that every building is called the HarbourFront!!
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Andy Comic, Cassie Thomas, Jose Almenarez, Jamey Mossengren and Big Ben the funnyman
Check em all out. Google and youtube them!!! You will learn sooooo much
Click here for youtube video and photos
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
85 – Jon Heron, Circus and Magic Workshops
Click here for interview
Jon Heron runs fantastic circus and magic workshops in schools in Singapore.
Some great tips for teaching people to unicycle, stilt walk, juggle and tight rope walk!
Check out Jon at
http://magicacademy.sg/
http://bigtop.sg/
http://eventmagic.com.sg/
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
00:07:00 How to teach juggling with scarfs
00:09:00 How to teach unicycling. A great method!
COMPLETE CONTENTS:
00:07:00 How to teach juggling with scarfs
00:09:00 How to teach unicycling. A great method!
00:12:00 Teaching and building a tight rope act
00:14:00 Teaching stilts
Also,
Working with children: Don’t take photos and videos of them
Children safe magic
Magic (swords through head!)
Putting on a show at the end of the course
And, running a talent agency
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Black Art Magic, V bounce, Edmund Khong
Check em all out. Google and youtube them!!! You will learn sooooo much
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
84 – Roy Payamal, Statue act, Clown and Singapore legend!
Click here for interview
Roy Thomas Payamal is a legend in Singapore, with pioneering clown shows as Ouch the Clown, and more recently as a Living Statue act.
You can find Roy online at http://www.royrocketstar.net/
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
83 – Writing Standup Comedy
Click here for Podcast
Writing Standup Comedy (particularly in Asia where there are not many open mics) can be tricky. Contibutors include: Scott Mitchell Sean Hebert Nick Milnes Paul Ogata Notes watches with a vibrating countdown alarm include: Casio G-Shock GD350 I think mine is an old G-7510
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
82 – Edmund Khong, Entertainer/Clown, Singapore
Click here for photos and podcast interview
Edmund Khong is a fantastic entertainer based in Singapore.
A world champion!!
Best World Clown 2017 & 1st place in Clown Character and Parade
His skills include clowning, juggling, magic, balloons and much more!
Find Edmund online at:
http://captaindazzle.com
http://singaporeclown.com
Summary
THIS WEEK
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
HIGHLIGHT ONE: 00:22:00 Lots of sources for clown props, costumes, equipment
HIGHLIGHT TWO: 00:44:00 Some great tips for dealing with naughty kids at birthday parties
- Address them by name
- Sit them at the back. “You boys are so much taller/bigger. Let’s sit you behind the girls.”
ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT: 00:56:00 Stickers with his contact details on!!
AND RABBITS!!!!
COMPLETE CONTENTS:
00:07:00 Tips on Giant Balloon Act
00:14:00 Velcro hat and Velcro balls act
00:16:45 Backdrop for promo vids
00:22:00 Clown costumes by Pricilla Mooseburger http://mooseburgeronline.com
00:22:40 Puppets by Steve Axtell. http://axtell.com
00:24:00 Magic box by David Charvet. http://charvetmagic.com
00:25:00 Speaker and mic by Mipro
00:26:30 Rabbits in your act! See also 00:50:00 and RESOURCES list at the end of these notes
00:29:30 Use of an Assistant
His Birthday Party Act:
00:44:00 Some great tips for dealing with naughty kids at birthday parties
- Address them by name
- Sit them at the back. “You boys are so much taller/bigger. Let’s sit you behind the girls.”
00:50:00 boys queue and girls queue to pet the rabbit, and hand sanitizer
00:52:00 Balloon twisting at parties
00:54:00 Birthday cake photos and song at parties
00:56:00 Stickers with his contact details on!!
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Check em all out. Google and youtube them!!! You will learn sooooo much
Clown costumes by Pricilla Mooseburger http://mooseburgeronline.com
Puppets by Steve Axtell. http://axtell.com
Magic box by David Charvet. http://charvetmagic.com
Rabbits
Rabbit appearance easy for 1 person : http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/S13504 The manufacturer went out of biz but they make the best ones. I am sure there will be other dealers who still have some old stock.
fav rabbit production device : http://www.tommyjamesmagic.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=69
Also Umbrella magic: https://www.seomagic-usa.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/27/products_id/545
https://www.seomagic-usa.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/27/products_id/1506
And if I have missed something out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
81 – Bryson Lang, Juggler USA
80 – Jason Tardy, American juggler and technology performer
79 – Paul Ogata, Standup Comedian
78 – Guy Bavil, Mentalist
77 – Vivek Mahbubani, Standup Comedian, Hong Kong
76 – the clown business and other thoughts.
75 – Matt Coombes, Children’s Entertainer
74 – Getting Paid, (How to get money from dodgy clients!)
73 – Kabir Khan, Psychic Performer
72 – Matt Owen Part 2
71 – Matt Owen, close-up Magician, Hong Kong
70 – Garron Chiu, standup comedian, Hong Kong, USA
69 – Jamey Mossengren, Unicyclist, USA, Australia
68 – Controlling kids (and adults!) at birthday parties!
67 – Rob Neal, Magician, UK
66 – Turner Sparks, Comedian, China and USA
65 – Jessie Jing, Dancer, Writer, Performing Artist, Hong Kong
64 – Chris Johnson, Mentalist, Australia
63 – Shea Freedomhowler, Entertainer, USA
62 – Jan Preece, Clown, Hong Kong and UK
61 – Brian Herman, Entertainer, USA
60 – Andy Comic, Entertainer, Australia Canada Hong Kong
59 – Road Trip!
58 – Tip for making extra money
57 – Lucas Jet, Unicyclist Juggler UK
56 – Ciaran Love Part 2, Clown, Producer, Manager, Hong Kong
55 – J C Sum, Illusionist, Author & Creative Entrepreneur
54 – Kevin Berrey, Comedian, USA
53 – Steve Lee, Comedian, USA, Hong Kong
52 – Scott Mitchell, Comedian, Scotland, Singapore
51 – Bond Lee, Magician , Hong Kong
46-50 Mike Brooks (backstage at a carnival)
45 – Stuart Palm, Mentalist
44 – Ciaran Love, Part 1, Clown Producer Manager
43 – Sean Hebert, Writer, Comedian, (Canada and Hong Kong)
42 – Mike Abbott, Legendary Hong Kong Entertainer
41 – Graham Love, (Santa)
40 – Max Marshall, Part Two
39 – Max Marshall, Clown and Entertainer (Scotland, Hong Kong and the World)
38 – Paul Ogata, Stand-up Comedian
37 – Gary Jackson, Stand-up Comedian and Comedy Producer
36 – Nick Milnes, Stand-up Comedian, Hong Kong, UK
35 – Yalun Tu, Writer, Comedy, Movies, Hong Kong
34 – Cindy Marvell Part 2
33 – Cindy Marvell, Juggler, USA
32 – Jami Gong: Standup Comedian and Comedy Club Owner, Hong Kong
31 – Ali Khan: Entertainment and Licensed Show, Singapore
30 – Markus Furtner: Appendix
29 – Markus Furtner: Devilstick, Germany
28 – Intro to Markus Furtner (Devilstick, Germany)
27 – Jason Strickland: Standup Comedian, London and Hong Kong
26 – Vivek Mahbubani: Standup Comedian, Hong Kong
25 – Cassi Thomas: Birthday Parties Hong Kong
24 – Rob Rogers: Magician and Events Manager, Hong Kong
23 – Tony Leung (Wing Wing the Clown) Hong Kong
22 – Jose Almenares (Magician) Part 2
21 – Jose Almenares (Magician) Part 1
20 – Sweetheart the Clown (aka Vivien Goh) Singapore
19 – Matt Coombes Part 2
18 – Matt Coombes Clown, Birthday Parties and more, Hong Kong
17 – Transport How to get to the next show in time
16 – Kenneth Ng – Clown, Hong Kong
15 – Worst Gigs Ever
14 – Big Ben Matthews – Entertainer, Hong Kong
13 – Rob Neal – England, Close up Magic, Weddings and Parties
12 – Jonathan Heron – Singapore Entertainer, Birthday Parties, Bubbles, Magic, Everything!
11 – Roy Thomas Payamal (Clown, Living Statue and Singapore Legend)
10 – Jason Tardy : American juggler and technology performer!!
9 – Guy Bavli: Mentalist, Entertainer
8 – Amy Bielawski: dancer, face painter, balloonist, belly dancer, bellygrams and party entertainer!
7 – Australian Mentalist Chris Johnson
6 – Bryson Lang. Interview with the great comedy juggler from the USA
5 – Shea FreedomHowler – Juggler, Director, Circus Impresario and Curator
4 – Formless Formby. Interview with Rock Circus Superstar, Formless Formby
3 – Jan Preece. Interview with one of the top clowns in Hong Kong
2 – Brian Herman. Interview with a young clown from America
1 – Andy Comic. Interview with Andy Comic from Australia
FEATURED ARTISTS IN HONG KONG:
Ciaran Love (Alfie NoName the Clown) HONG KONG
One of the best entertainers in Hong Kong. Ciaran is a fantastic performer with comedy magic, comedy juggling, balloon twisting and games. With a wonderful show developed over many years, Ciaran constantly has both the children and the adults roaring with laughter.
Video of Ciaran
Podcasts with Ciaran Love:
Part 2 Performances in Hong Kong
Part 1 Early Career
Podcast Contents: Fire shows and tips, Producing shows with others versus working solo, How to do a Birthday Party, Transport, Costumes, and Being on time
The amazing Ciaran Love started as a full time street entertainer, roaming around Europe. Since 1994 however, he has been carving out a fantastic career in Hong Kong: Performer, clown, prop comedy, producer, manager and bespoke events creator.
You can find Ciaran Love online at: http://www.nonamehk.com/
Jose Almenares (Magician) HONG KONG
Jose Almenares is an incredible magician based in Hong Kong. Over the past 26 years, Jose has performed magic shows in more than 10 countries across Asia, North America and the Caribbean. A longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, his vast experience enables him to perform for any occasion including a children’s party, corporate banquet, stage show, or even one-on-one special performance.
You can find Jose online at https://www.amazingmagicjose.com/
Podcasts with Jose:
Early career
Follow up podcast
