The Greatest Showman - Andrew van Buren talks about Philip Astley. With Chris Barltrop.

Famous People You've Never Heard Of

The original "greatest showman" was not P.T. Barnum, it was a chap from Newcastle Under Lyme in Staffordshire, who went by the name Philip Astley. Astley was a soldier and talented equestrian who went on to invent what we now recognise as the modern day circus. His story is one of the many that prove that truth is stranger (certainly more remarkable) than fiction.
Andrew Van Buren hails from the world of circus and a very theatrical family. He's a true all round entertainer and is passionate about both his hometown of Newcastle Under Lyme and the heritage of his industry. So who better to spearhead the "Philip Astley Project", the initiative that is helping Astley do for Newcastle what Shakespeare did for Stratford...?
Andrew talks to us about Astley's history, the beginnings of the van Buren family's showbusiness life and the incredible journey he's taken to get Astley recognised - and to get Newcastle back on the map.
And if that's not enough, Chris Barltrop, actor and ringmaster extraoirdinaire gives us a taster of his performance as "The Audacious Mr Astley"
Further info:
Guest: Andrew van Buren
Featuring: Chis Barltrop
Host: Lottie Walker
Editor: Jacob Taylor
Andrew van Buren
https://www.vanburen.org.uk/
Philip Astley Project
https://www.philipastley.org.uk/
Chris Barltrop - the Centre for Circus Culture
https://www.centreforcircusculture.org/
Andy Edwards:
https://www.cornoviiedwards.com/home
Monte Carlo International Circus Festival
https://www.montecarlofestival.mc/en/
AstleyFest 2021
https://www.newcastleunderlyme.org/events/2198/
Gandey's Circus
https://www.gandeyscircus.com/
Karl Shaw: - The First Showman, The Extraordinary Mr. Astley
https://thesusijnagency.com/karl-shaw/
Follow Andrew & Chris on Twitter:
@VanBurenOrg
@Astley250
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If you'd like to help us to keep the podcast going in these tough times, please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do. Just go to :
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if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
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