From Party Entertainers to Massive Stage Show Acts,
Big Ben the Funnyman interviews all kinds of entertainers.
Lots of tips and funny stories from the periphery of show business!
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118 – John Foss, Unicyclist, USA
Click here for Podcast interview and photos
118 – John Foss, Unicyclist, USA
I love juggling, unicycling, bubbles and all things circus related! And the best place to buy all this stuff online is at https://www.oddballs.co.uk/
So visit https://www.oddballs.co.uk/ right now and get yourself some new toys!
Summery and highlights
My interview with John Foss – one of the legends of modern unicycling!
You can find John online at: https://www.unicycling.com/ and email him
johnfoss@unicycling.com
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Steve Dressler, Schwinn, Redford Township Unicycle club, Pontiac Unicycle club, Jack Wiley, Bill Jenack, Meryl Shaffer, Unicycling Society of America (uniusa.org), NUM (the National Unicycle Meet), Miyata, UMX, International Unicycling Federation (IUF), Jack Halpern, AOL (America online), ESPN “Amazing Games”, 125mm cranks, Coker, Sem Abrahams, Peter Rosenthal, Bottrop unicycle club, Kris Holm, the Circus Education Specialists, the National Circus Project,
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
117 – Kim Potter (& Vinyl Burns), Entertainer, New Zealand
Click here for Podcast interview and photos
117 – KIm Potter (& Vinyl Burns), Entertainer, New Zealand
I love juggling, unicycling, bubbles and all things circus related! And the best place to buy all this stuff online is at https://www.oddballs.co.uk/
So visit https://www.oddballs.co.uk/ right now and get yourself some new toys!
Summery and highlights
Fascinating talk with Kim Potter and his creation: Vinyl Burns. Loads of great stuff on building a character with a real online presence. As usual, tons of wonderful tips and ideas. My own personal favourite tips: Use a guitarist’s foot pedal to control your MP3 background music whilst on stage. And put a 360 camera on a huge selfie stick to video your show
You can find Kim online at: http://www.kiwicomedy.com/ http://www.vinylburns.com/
http://www.kimpotter.co.nz/
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Sam Wills (the Boy with Tape on his Face), Vinyl Burns, Andy Kaufman, Tony Cliffton, Jim Carey, Man on the Moon (movie), Morecambe and Wise, Rik Mayall & Ade Edmundson, Dominic Taylor, Fergus Aitken, Otaki Airfaorce, Stories from the Pitch (podcast), https://www.twitch.tv/
and also Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Tony Robbins and Paris Hilton
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
116 – Ben Matthews, Unicyclist, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong
Click here for Podcast interview and photos
116 – Ben Matthews, Unicyclist, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong
The best place to get a unicycle is at http://www.unicycle.com/ China
(also known as http://www.unicycle-china.cn/)
If you are in Hong Kong or Taiwan use unicycle.com China’s online Taobao store: https://shop485281050.world.taobao.com/
because the freight is so much cheaper!
Summery and highlights
Ben started unicycling in 1990. Lots of tips and stories such as learn how to ride a unicycle instantly by first riding a BMX backwards. Also, a 5 foot giraffe will fit in a taxi. A giant seat post makes a unispin easy! Use a 12” uni at birthday parties. White (non-marking) tyres for shows. And use a vertical giraffe dismount for small stages.
You can find Ben Matthews online at: www.thebigbenshow.com
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Russell Wells, Semcycle, Sem and Yuri Abrahams, Lee Jellyhead Rickler, London LUNIs, Oxford City CYCOs, IJA (International Juggling Assoc), Lars Lottrup, Andy Comic Sellenger, Kai Lun, Jolyon Caplin, Joachim Jojo Mühlmeyer, Simon Perrier, MUNI (Mountain unicycling), Kris Holm, Unicon, Jack Halpern, UniHK, Martin Turner, Roz Beste, YMCA Kings Park Centenary Centre, Steve Dressler, Rob Rogers, APUC (Asia Pacific Unicycle Championships)
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
115 – Steve Dressler, Unicyclist, USA, Hong Kong, Philippines, China
Click here for Podcast interview and photos
115 -Steve Dressler, Unicyclist, USA, Hong Kong, Philippines, China
The best place to get a unicycle is at http://www.unicycle.com/ China
(also known as http://www.unicycle-china.cn/)
If you are in Hong Kong or Taiwan use unicycle.com China’s online Taobao store: https://shop485281050.world.taobao.com/
because the freight is so much cheaper!
Summery and highlights
Talking to the amazing Steve Dressler, one of the key figures behind the growth of unicycling internationally
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
John Foss (the Unicyclone) – Unicyclist
JACK HALPERN – UNICYCLIST / AUTHOR
U.S.A. (Unicycling Society of America)
IUF (international unicycling federation)
USHK (Unicycling Society of Hong Kong)
CAA (Chinese Acrobats Association)
Francois Zanini (entertainer, Hong Kong)
Van Parsegehian
F.U.N. (Filipino Unicycling Network)
Jing & Alrich Almocera (Filipino unicyclists),
ROZ BESTE,
Australian unicyclist: CHRIS VEVERS – Canberra
AUSTRALIAN UNICYCLING SOCIETY
THE CHINESE UNICYCLING ASSN – CUA
Honorable mention to Robert Rogers who was very instrumental in getting the first USHK kids funding to go to Unicon 9 in Germany – 1998, and then took over USHK to form UNI – HK a part Asian Uni – Hockey Group
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
114 – Jojo Mühlmeyer, , Unicyclist Germany
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114 – Joachim (Jojo) Mühlmeyer, Unicyclist, Germany
Talking to Jojo Mühlmeyer about his life and the history of international unicycle hockey
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Go to the International Unicycling Federation for the latest unicycle hockey rules
Joachim Jojo (Pronounced yo yo) Mühlmeyer, Rolf Sander, LAHIMO, Radlos, the Oxford City Cyco’s, Takafumi Ogasawara, John Dash, the London Luni’s, Unicon (the world unicycle championships), Eurocycle (the European unicycle convention), Yuri Abrahams and Semcycle
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
113 – Lars Lottrup, Unicyclist Denmark
Click here for Podcast interview and photos
113 – Lars Lottrup, Unicyclist, Denmark
Summery and highlights:
Lars is a fantastic unicyclist. Not only does he have a great unicycle show, he also set up the Danish national unicycle team, promoted unicycling in Denmark and used to run unicycle.com Denmark as well!
Tips:
Have a sack to hide your unicycle (if necessary) when on public transport!
Sumo and unicycle Gladiators are great training exercises for unicyclists.
Take a 2.5 meter giraffe AND a 1.5meter giraffe unicycle in case the ceiling is too low
Waterproof ski-suit material can make a great bag for fire clubs
Mini bicycle for roving
You can find Lars online at: www.unicycle.dk
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Palle (A Danish entertainer), Unicon (World Unicycle Convention), Tania Olsen, Jamey Mossengren, unicycle.co.uk Roger Davies, unicycle.com Amy Drummond, Roland (the German bicycle shop), the Club Unicycle
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
112 – Russell Wells, Unicyclist, UK
Click here for Podcast interview and photos
112 – Russell Wells. Unicyclist, UK
Summery and highlights
Talking to the wonderful Russell Wells about entertainment and unicycling. Loads of interesting UK unicycle history including the first ever british Unicycle Convention, the 1996 UNICON (Unicycle world championships) in Guildford, unicycle hockey, unicycle ice hockey and unicycle ballet!
You can find Russell online at: https://pick-n-mix.co.uk/ and email him at russellwells@live.com
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Check em all out. Google and youtube them!!! You will learn sooooo much
Charlie Holland co-organised the 1st BJC with Max Oddball. Haggis McLeod & Charlie Dancey. Double act.
Pete Gamble. Started Pick-n-Mix circus with Russell about 25 years ago, then he left to set up his own business A Handful of Hats. Francis Maxey, taught Russell to juggle about 34 years ago. Tom Rack, and Pete Gregory, are both from No Fit State Circus. And they ran the juggling club at the university called “balls up”, with Ali, Richie, Dave Id. Lucky Diamond Rich was the street performer, who has over 100% body coverage of tattoos (he has tattoos over tattoos) he taught Russell the method of sword swallowing. Not sure what Rockets real name is. But I can find out. Lee Jellyhead was a unicyclist with “Ballet hooligans”. And Co-ran the 1st BUC. Gordan Tyler aka Fiery Jack. Did the fire joust show, with Alf Connor, Caroline Richard Kia Fieffer. Martin King-Shears organised the Party on the Pier Juggling Convention, were they did the Unicycle ballet, and the game of “Fire, unicycle hockey”
Sem Abrahams, Yuri Abrahams, and their father: Carlho Abrahams
BJC (British Juggling Convention), EJC (European Juggling Convention), Unicon (World Unicycle Championships)
Circomedia, (and Fool Time), Circus Space, More Balls Than Most (and their Thud juggling balls)
Dafe Bullock
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
111 – Alex Oddball and the Oddballs Juggling Company
Click here for interview and photos
111 – Alex Oddball and the Oddballs Juggling Company
Summery and highlights
Talking to the wonderful Alex Oddball! The best place to buy all things juggling related is oddballs.co.uk.
I have been going to their shop since the 1980s, and now you can go there online as well. The staff at Oddballs really know what they are talking about. Will the juggling axe, a fire torch and a juggling club work while I balance on a roller boller? Yes! Says the staff at Oddballs because they’ve actually tried it!!! True story!! They also sell bubble equipment, yo yos, lassos, stilts, diabolos, roller bollers etc etc. The list goes on and on! So visit Oddballs.co.uk or email sales@oddballs.co.uk and get yourself some juggling equipment.
You can find Oddballs online at:
https://www.oddballs.co.uk/ or email: sales@oddballs.co.uk or find Oddballs on facebook or instagram
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Max and Susi Oddball, Steve Rawlings, Sean Gandini,Haggis McLeod, Charlie Dancey, Brian Dube, BJC (British Juggling Convention). EJC (European Juggling Convention), Short Circuit by Tat and Nicky, The Pavillion (theatre in Brighton)
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
110 – Samsam the Bubbleman, UK
Click here for interview and photos
110 – Samsam the Bubbleman, UK
Summery and highlights
Samsam is an amazing Bubbleologist with numerous world records!
Tips.
Take a carpet to the show (in case they have a potentially slippery floor)
To get through airport security, just say you are a CHILDREN’S entertainer!
Have 2 sources of income: One from selling bubble equipment. One from performing.
Also, as Samsam has developed an amazing (but secret) bubble liquid, so he can train other performers to work for him, and (maybe?) avoid the issue of apprentices leaving him and starting their own business, (because although they will have developed performance skills, it won’t work unless they know the secret recipe!)
Add glycerin to make bubble solution last longer
Different solutions for different types of bubbles
For walkabout act, do bubbles almost like a close-up magic act!
You can find Samsam online at:
https://www.bubbleinc.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/samsamthebubbleman
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Tom Noddy
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
109 – Bob Chua, Magician, Singapore
Click here for interview and photos
109 – Bob Chua, Magician, Singapore
Summery and highlights
Bob Chua (Uncle Bob) has a life time of great tips for magicians. Born in 1945, but deciding not to turn full time (as a magician) until 1990, Bob is an award winner in close-up magic. However, he also does kids’ parties and corporate shows.
Top tips!
Take a table cloth to every show so you can (if necessary) drape it over any available boxes or crates to create a “table” for your act.
Do close-up magic as a stage show, but have video camera’s live streaming it onto big screens
Get the organizers to help pre-select the “volunteers.”
A great way to start a close-up magic at a dining table: Use a bowl already on the table, and produce sponge balls (as “fish balls”)
You can find Bob Chua online at: https://www.bobchua.com/
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The Merlin award, The Great Wong, Tan Hock Chuan, the Singapore Association of Magicians (SAM), Harry Tan, Tan Bah Chee, the Zig Zag lady, hippity hop rabbit magic trick, Jonathan Heron, Joe Yu (dove magic).
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
108 – Ryan Hynek, Standup Comedian
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108 – Ryan Hynek, Standup comedian
Summery and highlights
Ryan Hynek is fantastic standup comedian operating out of Hong Kong.
Great tips include: Creating your new material orally a few hours before the show. In short, saying new stuff out loud in the shower before you go off to do the show!
And beware of wireless microphones – They might cut off during your punchline!
You can find Ryan online at: https://ryanhynek.com/
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Check em all out. Google and youtube them!!! You will learn sooooo much
Vivek Mahbubani, Chris Coleman, Chris Musni, Tom Schmidt, Takeout Comedy, Jami Gong, Nick Milnes, Paul Ogata, Ted Alexandro, The Riff
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
107 – Viven Goh, Emceeing Singapore
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107 – Vivien Goh, Emceeing Singapore
Summery and highlights
Amazing! Vivien started as a teenager, and more than 20 years later is still going strong !
Great tips!
1 Female emcees should should set/tune microphones for a female voice
2 For repeat customers, do a different theme each year
3 Emceeing as a marketeer.
4 Great Emcee games: Balloon blowing race, Create the longest rubber band, Find hidden playing cards
5 The Walking table act
You can find Vivien Goh online at: http://www.viviengoh.com/ https://www.partywithsweetheart.com/ https://www.zephyhdom.com/
NAMES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Roy Thomas Payamal, MICE presentations, Carrefour hypermarket
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
106 – Scarlet, Magician, Balloonist and Busker, Hong Kong
Click here for interview and photos
106 – Scarlet, Magician, Balloonist and Busker, Hong Kong
Summery and highlights
Amazing! Scarlet looks like a bookworm, but went busking in central and south America !
Great tips!
1 Balloon décor: kids will mess with small sculptures, but not with a huge installation
2 Adult audiences: Pick volunteers before the show
3 The New Limited Edition by Larry Jennings
4 Ask friends to come and take photos of your shows!
You can find Scarlet online at: https://www.magicmomentent.com/
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
D’lite, Michael Wong (magician in Hong Kong), Cellini (busking magician), Nielson Vanishing bottle, Tommy Cooper, Balloonology by Jeremy Telford, Sempertex and qualatex balloons, Silly Billy, The New Limited Edition by Larry Jennings, Gazo (busking magician),
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
105 – Scarlet, Magician and Balloonist, Hong Kong
Click here for interview and photos
105 – Scarlet, Magician and Balloonist, Hong Kong
Talking to great Hong Kong magician, Scarlet! This episode focuses on his birthday party performances. My favourite tip is when he adds a second musical item near the end of his show, in order to re-center the audience’s focus
You can find Scarlet online at: https://www.magicmomentent.com/
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Stripper deck, hong kong discuss (online) forum, Bond Lee the magician, Miser’s Dream, D’lite thumb tips, Mouth Coil, Change bag, Ball and Vase, Rumple the party entertainer, David Copperfield arm crossing trick, Harry Wong, What Lies Inside by Florian Severin: Imagination – It’s a lemon, Alex Ng, Tenyo magic for balloon penetration, I Hate Kids by Stephen Bargatze, the Grandpa’s Top Hat, Silly Billy’s Colouring book, Colouring book routine by Chris Capehart Kidding Around DVD, Chain Release
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
104 – Steven Lee, Emcee, Singapore
Click here for interview and photos
104 – Steven Lee, emcee, Singapore
Summery and highlights: A great Battle of the Bands stage game, Warmup activities with straws or newspapers for corporate team building, Animal shows at zoos, Learn a bit of the local language, What to do when your deejay doesn’t turn up, Have standup comedy as filler material.
And a great 2 part game: Part one “Find me something” as a mass warmup game. Part two: on stage with the items to be used as a cross dressing song and dance games
You can find Steven Lee online: Just type “Steven Lee emcee Singapore” into Youtube
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Check em all out. Google and youtube them!!! You will learn sooooo much
Rico and Cyril Lim (Emcees in Singapore)
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
103 – Wee BUSKER, juggler, magician, Singapore
Click here for interview and photos
Summery and highlights
Wee BUSKS almost every day.
Highlights include doing a show with NO audience participation! Wow!
Using a gym instructor’s headset mic as it is sweat proof!
You can find Wee online at: https://singaporejuggler.com/
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Mipro Sound systems,
Singapore River Buskers Festival
National Arts Council Singapore, Orchard Road
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
102 – Unicycle Stories
Click here for photos and podcast
A mini podcast about some unicycling stories! Enjoy!
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Check em all out. Google and youtube them!!! You will learn sooooo much
Rocking or idling on a unicycle, Extradition Bill Protests in Hong Kong 2019, Martin Turner, the Hong Kong Cycling Alliance, http://hkcyclingalliance.org/
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
101 – Cyril Lim, Emcee, Singapore and the World
Click here for photos and podcast
Talking to one of the all-time great Emcees: Cyril Lim.
Combining comedy, standup comedy and physical comedy with hilarious audience participation games, together with sound effects and music, Cyril has ruled the ballrooms for decades!
Highlights include:
Working very closely with the same sound technician/deejay at all events
Warming up the audience with mass participation as early as possible in the evening, before choosing “volunteers” to come on stage
Having decent prizes
Slapstick and physical comedy for audiences that don’t speak English as their first language.
A lip-synch battle with a song for each culture in Singapore.
A pedometer on volunteer’s heads for a crazy stage game
Ending an event: Mass dance, Mass Dance with lucky draw
You can find Cyril online at:
https://www.facebook.com/cyril.lim.319
Watch him at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF-PvUV_FYE
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Check em all out. Google and youtube them!!! You will learn sooooo much
The Hand Jive from the movie, Grease. The Hustle, Kumar, Hamish Brown
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
100 – Rico Smith, Emcee, Singapore and the World
Click here for photos and podcast
Summery and highlights: Rico Smith is a fantastic Emcee based in Singapore. This episode includes masses of tips and notes for future emcees to use. We also talk about the history of the industry, and what it was like in the crazy days of the 1990s.
So many highlights!
Carry a stapler for any last second costume repairs. Carry your suit/costume in your car at all times! Set the tone in the very first minutes. Use mass warmup games such as find the matching half of a playing card. Memorize. Don’t use cue cards. Research the client and look for potential volunteers before they are needed. If necessary, ask the table to pick the volunteer! And have the house lights at least 50% so you can see the “volunteers.”
Also, backup activities, mentalism and more
You can find Rico online at: http://show-host.com/ or find Rico Smith on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ricosreload
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Max Don, Moe Alkaff, Jafar Alkaff, Nigel Mosbergen, Mark Van Cuylenburg, JC Sum, Vijay at http://www.magiccastle.com.sg/ And Ringo (the taxi driver, not the drummer from the Beatles!)
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
99 – Andrew Work, Emcee and Auctioneer across Asia and Europe
Click here for photos and podcast
Summery and highlights:
Double lapel mics, option of raising highlights so emcee can see the audience, commit to memory rather than using cue cards, turn script into story so it’s easy to remember, introduce yourself to the sound crew, light crew and catering staff
You can find Andrew online at: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/andrewwork
and https://hk.linkedin.com/in/mcandrewwork
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Funraising, the Lion Rock Institute, RTHK’s MoneyTalk, Jami Gong and Takeout Comedy, Fintech
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
98 – Mervyn Goh, Emcee and more, Singapore
Click here for photos and podcast
Much more than an emcee, Mervyn has also done clowning, acting, tv shows, radio dj, corporate bonding and many more.
Highlights include :
His use of a ukulele in during hosting and corporate workshops!
What to do when things go wrong and/or you forget your lines!
You can find Mervyn Goh online at: www.imaginarts.org
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Sparkleshark, Phillip Ridley, Zachary Mosalle, the Star Trek World Tour, Chia Suan Chong, Cynthia Lee MacQuarrie, The Big Q, Act 3, Jerry Lewis
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
97 – Busking!
Click here for photos and podcast
Summery and highlights:
I had a go at busking for the first time in 20 years!
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Jon Heron (eventmagic.com), JC Sum
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
96 – More Tales from the Periphery of Show Business!
Click here for photos and podcast
Summery and highlights:
This week it’s mainly my tales of woe, but there is a great tip from Neva about twisting balloons at a carnival or funday: Just do balloons for 4 people, and say that’s the end. Then move on to another location. (You will never get stuck with a huge queue!)
95 – Andy Ko, Magic and Entertainment
Click here for photos and podcast interview
Talking to the great Andy Ko about magic, birthday parties and entertainment! Some great tips include:
Don’t stand at a birthday party!
The flaming wallet to start a roving magic act (go to 00:27:00)
Put jpegs of the entire testimonial (including the signature and the company shop) on your website!
A great addition to your promo video: After your show, video guests saying good things about your act!
You can find Andy Ko online at:
http://koandy.com/
http://kids.koandy.com
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Check em all out. Google and youtube them!!! You will learn sooooo much
The icue remote control for your ipod, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, Japanese Noh theatre, David Copperfield, Ocean Park, AK Entertainment Consultant Limited
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
94 – Bernardo, Magic and Children’s Parties
Click here for photos and podcast interview
Some great stuff in this interview! Marketing with prizes that contain his contact details. Brochures with children’s games on the back. Doing the party games first, and then doing the magic show. Some great new party games: Corners, Guess the superhero cards etc. Control the kids by rewarding good behavior. A free phone app that leads to his website. Rotating to a different show each year. Buy more than one set of each prop. Reversible banners, (one side can be set up to promote the agency). And wet wipes for every part of the body! (Well, almost!)
You can find Bernardo online at:
http://bernardomagicshow.com/ bernardomagic.com https://www.facebook.com/BernardoMagic
And also type in Bernardo Magic on the i tunes apple app store to get his free app!
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Maurice Roberts, Mike Abbott, Eoin Jackson (Jacko the Jester), David Devant, Heidi’s Costumes (Watford, UK),
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
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
88 – Jeremy Pei, Magician, Singapore
Click here for video and podcast interview
The extraordinary story of Jeremy Pei
Contact Jeremy at http://www.jeremypei.com/
And if I have missed something 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, Juggler and more, Australia and Hong Kong
Click here for interview and photos
Andy Comic is an incredible entertainer
based in Hong Kong.
His skills include juggling, magic, balloons,
unicycling and much more!
For more info, contact me at
ben@thebigbenshow.com (+852 96678601),
or visit http://www.andycomic.com/
HIGHLIGHTS:
00:20:00 Birthday parties:
Organize the seating, (naughty kids at the back)
Establish boundaries
0028:00 the show is about the birthday kid, not the performer
CONTENTS:
00:03:00 early career, busking
00:06:00 Stilts (the Fat Boys)
00:09:45 Naughty kid!
00:14:00 Hong Kong
00:18:00 Starting an agency
00:20:00 Birthday parties:
Organize the seating, (naughty kids at the back)
Establish boundaries
00:23:00 Warming up the crowd
00:24:00 His robot!
0028:00 the show is about the birthday kid, not the performer
00:31:00 Testing if the birthday child is ready to come onto stage
00:35:00 More tips about his robot. The Interrupt concept.
00:37:00 No need to change the birthday show every year
00:41:00 Corporate stage shows in Hong Kong
00:45:00 Motor scooter for transport
00:49:00 Music systems
01:00:00 Freetime and getting old!
Extra notes:
00:23:00 Music helps focus the kids
NAMES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Check em all out. Google and youtube them!!! You will learn sooooo much
http://birthdays.hk/
Jan Preece,
Zani,
The Fat Boys,
Ron Gallagher,
Arabella’s Party (and Rory)
And if I have missed someone out, just email me at ben@thebigbenshow.com
FEATURED ARTISTS IN HONG KONG:
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
