Long before the age of television and cinema screens, a popular form of entertainment was the Magic Lantern Show, developed in the 17th century.
Pat, Peter and Michael Spencer have been delighting audiences with their show ‘Kaleidoscope’ for more than ten years. They’re coming to the Framework Knitters Museum on Monday 3rd April at 2.30pm, bringing their 100 year old projector and hundreds of hand painted glass slides. Some of them move! The show includes ‘Belle Belton and her Bicycle Adventure’ from the 1890s, ‘Come to the Circus’ and other romantic, humorous or moralistic tales.
The audience is invited to search the attic for any old slides, perhaps inherited from grandparents, and the Spencers will try to show them. There will also be time for questions as the presenters are keen to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for their fascinating hobby.
(Electricity has replaced the limelight of the 1800s so there are no combustible gases or hazardous chemicals to worry the Health and Safety people!)
Tickets cost £6 including refreshments and are available from the Museum (currently open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 11am to 4:30pm), or from Kathy Powis on 0115 984 5375.