Every year, 23 million people flock to Blackpool for a multitude of attractions, including the iconic Tower, the dazzling Illuminations, the expansive Coral Island arcade, and the scenic beach. Back in 1928, amidst the nascent Pleasure Beach era, a large crowd gathered in the Lancashire resort for a unique event.
Historical footage captured Max and Florence Chrysler’s wedding outside Stephen’s on the Cliffs in Blackpool, followed by a grand procession through town, complete with elephants. The couple, renowned as stars in one of Blackpool’s miniature towns located atop the Tower, attracted a sea of well-wishers.
The Showtown Museum in Blackpool recently unveiled an exhibition shedding light on such intriguing events. The exhibition, curated with input from individuals of smaller stature, delves into the involvement of little people in the UK’s entertainment industry, highlighting how Blackpool emerged as the unofficial hub of the arts in the UK.
During the early 1900s and 1930s, Blackpool witnessed numerous weddings among little people and hosted the Piccolo Company, a circus ensemble comprising 32 little performers who showcased acrobatics and strongman acts at the Tower. Notable figures like Doodles, a clown at the Tower Circus for almost three decades, and Paul Walker, renowned as ‘Europe’s smallest movie actor,’ made their mark across Blackpool’s ‘tiny town’ attractions.
The exhibition “Through Our Eyes: Little People Beyond the Circus,” running until May 31, explores the historical significance of these events and acknowledges the contributions of little people in the entertainment industry, aiming for a more respectful portrayal devoid of the condescending tone prevalent in past depictions.
Emily Langridge, a curator involved in the exhibition, emphasizes the immense popularity of such attractions a century ago, drawing audiences from far and wide to witness these celebrated personalities.
The exhibition showcases various aspects of these weddings, which were significant spectacles at the time. Despite some historical gaps in records, Emily notes that certain little people couples seemed to have had multiple wedding ceremonies, leveraging the positive publicity for business purposes.
Hector, a participant in the project, underscores the favorable perception of little people working in entertainment during the inter-war period in Blackpool, while also acknowledging the complexities and challenges faced by these performers.
Rebecca Nuttall, associated with Little People UK, highlights the need to balance professional pursuits with community representation, emphasizing the importance of individual choices and skill recognition.
The exhibition not only celebrates the achievements of little people but also educates visitors on language sensitivity and showcases the achievements of community members, including notable figures like scientist Tom Shakespeare, chef Louis Makepeace, and racer Joy Rainey.
Angel Flint, a full-time staff member at Showtown, praises Miss DQ, a drag queen with dwarfism, for breaking barriers and captivating audiences with her performances, reminiscent of the late Blackpool panto and West End legend Malcolm Dixon.
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