Low, vulgar and transparent - some things never change

[Kent Blackmore]

The only amazing thing about Professor Le Berg, in his 1853 short-lived season, was how he managed to obtain Vice-regal patronage for his show.

The Courier (Hobart, Tasmania) October 19, 1853
CONJURATION EXTRAORDINARY
A person assuming to himself the style and title of Professor Le Berg, the Great Wizard of the South, made his appearance at the Victoria Theatre, which he hired for the occasion, to give a Grand Magical Entertainment, last evening. The Professor had succeeded in obtaining the patronage of His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, who, with Lady Denison and family, was present.
We deeply regret to state, under these circumstances, that some of the tricks of legerdemain, which had been announced in all the pomp and glitter of advertisement, circular and bill, and were last night attempted to be performed, were low, vulgar, and transparent in the extreme, and the feeling of disappointment entertained by the better disposed portion of the audience was more than once vented in strong manifestations of disapprobation.
Trusting that we shall "never see the like again", we recommend the professor of the berg to push his fortunes in another clime. His tricks may delight and charm the Esquimaux, but are not suited to English or Tasmanian audiences.

The Courier (Hobart, Tasmania) October 28, 1853
The Self-styled Wizard of the South visited Oatlands this week, and professed to give one of his astonishing performances at five shillings a ticket. He expected and audience of 120 people, but only five or six attended. His tricks were found to be such as boys used to perform four or five and twenty years ago, and the entertainment, even to his limited audience, proved "flat, stale, and unprofitable." He is about to try what he can do at a reduced price of admission.

This story and more at http://sydneymagic.net/HISTORY/history.html

[Brad Henderson]

I'd love to read their reviews of BeLIEve.