PODCAST · arts
Funny Peculiar Podcast
by Jeff Downs
This is a podcast with a difference where all the guests are from the world of alternative performance; burlesque dancers, illusionists, fetish acts, drag queens, character acts, circus clowns, sword swallowers & special FX make up artists. I'm your host Jeff Downs, character comic and budding drag artist and want you to join me on a journey through the world of the 'funny peculiar!'.
Episodes
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Episode 56: Ben the Juggler - Juggler and Comedy Entertainer
Ben studied Theatre at Dartington College of Arts specialising in Movement and whilst there learnt to juggle and fell in love with Circus arts and street performing. He has been performing comedy juggling shows ever since in theatres, in schools, at festivals, holiday camps, theme parks…
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Episode 55: Jonathan Geffner - Ventriloquist, writer and musician
Jonathan Geffner and his puppet partners have enchanted audiences of all ages and sizes throughout the USA and beyond. They have appeared on the nationally seen television programs: Late Night (NBC), Hour Magazine (FOX), The Joe Franklin Show (WOR), Dialogue (ABC) and KTV (CNBC). Jonathan has…
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Episode 54: Daniel Hanton - Punch and Judy Entertainer
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Episode 53: Meadow Perry - Magician and Bubble Artist
Meadow Perry is an internationally acclaimed female magician, bubble artist, and mentalist who creates sophisticated, high-impact entertainment for corporate events, galas, weddings, and private celebrations. Known for her versatility, Meadow delivers both breathtaking stage performances and...
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Episode 52: Big Sam - The Beast of Bodmin / Professional UK Wrestler
Thanks to Big Sam for coming on the show - my first wrestler and what a treat. A brilliant episode. Here is more info on Sam with links below: Growing up in Cornwall, he developed a love for wrestling at the age of seven. Wrestling became an escape from a difficult home life, which included…
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Episode 51: Adam Conroy / DJ, Music Producer, Record Label Owner and Artist Development
Welcome back! In this episode I chat to Adam Conroy a dynamic DJ, music producer, and record label owner known for his roots in the North East of England. Beginning his career in Middlesbrough and Newcastle, he built a reputation for energetic, crowd-focused sets before expanding into music...
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Episode 50: Lucy Lush / Drag Queen and Radio Presenter
This week and I chat to the amazingly talented Lucy Lush, drag queen extraordinaire. Lucy Lush is a drag artiste actress/actor plus one of the campcooks touring UK wide festivals also a Broadcast Journalist for gaydio Lucy boasts a flamboyant career spanning 20 years working with drag legends…
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Episode 49: Vivien Ella Walden / Madam and Author
This week I speak to Vivien Ella Walden author of Eating from the Cherry Tree. Vivien Ella Walden who is still alive and kicking, born in Salford Manchester. Raised in a loving working class Jewish family she ran from her heritage, bared her perfectly formed derriere and partied with the elite…
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Episode 48: Bard Company / Poetry and music performance combo
This week I chat with Tony Kinsella, Jeff Dawson (Jeffarama), Gordon Zola and Ian Whiteley, collectively known as Bard Company. Poetry with a difference! Four alternative poets performing a rock n' roll fuelled selection of their work with humour and no doubt a bit of controversy. Each member...
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Episode 47: Aunty Ginger / Drag Queen
This week I chat to a wonderful lady, a marvellous performer Aunty Ginger aka Thomas Henderson-Griffiths. Ginger has been on the drag circuit for four years and has made a huge impact, she won the Miss Drag UK 2019 competition and is part of The Three Ladies drag musical trio. She organises,...
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Episode 46: Christian Reilly / Musical Comedian
This week I chat to the wonderfully talented Christian Reilly. A stalwart on the UK comedy circuit for many years Christian never fails to deliver outstanding comedy. I've always been a massive fan of his comedy and musical parodies, a range of bands, check out his Artic Monkey's parody! The…
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Episode 45: Dave Morgan / Poet and writer
This week I chat to the multi-talented Dave Morgan, a Bolton poet who has been gigging and writing in and around the North West for the last 20 years. He has worked in all sectors of education, and in a range of community and voluntary organisations plus involvement in teaching Chinese cooking,...
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Episode 44: Ginger La Rouge / Burlesque Dancer
This week I chat to the wonderful and talented Ginger La Rouge, award winning international burlesque dancer! Ginger is an award winning, international performer and has traveled the world performing her unique and diverse burlesque acts. Ginger is a Manchester burlesque dancer and co-founded…
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Episode 43: Poppycock / Drag Queen
This week I chat to the wonderful and delightful Poppycock. Smiley, happy dragling Poppycock is one of those characters that lights up a room and a stage as soon as they appear. She's been performing as a drag artist for less than a year, but has already won Halfway II Heaven's It's a Knockout...
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Episode 42: Bob Sinfield / Radio Presenter and Comedy Writer
This week I talk to the legend that is Bob Sinfield. Radio presenter and comedy writer who has been performing and writing comedy for the last 40 years. I first met Bob back in London around 2003 helping out on his comedy show's, writing and performing. Bob Sinfield is an actor, author, presenter...
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Episode 41: Jess Abouzeid / Aerial Acrobatic and Circus Skills Teacher
This week I chat to Jess Abouzied / Aerial Acrobatic and Circus Skills Teacher Jess quickly realised that her love of performing and being upside down was a perfect match for circus. With the career goal of being 'professionally awesome' she enrolled on Greentop's full time Circus In Performing...
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Episode 40: Twelve Guests from Tatcon 2018
A great episode 12 incredible guests from stalls from in and around the Tatcon 2018 festival. I start with the organiser Pat Deacon, who was in his mobility scooter nipping about still keeping the event going. I chat to Mike Gregory, a belt buckle salesman, then Nick Henderson who runs a rapture...
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Episode 39: Natalie Goode & Danielle Whitehead / Multi-Skilled Performers
This week I chat to Natalie Goode and Danielle Whitehead, both performers and providers of all things entertainment! Also costume designer/makers, fire breathers and eaters. I caught up with Natalie and Danielle at last year's Tatcon 2018, we had a chat about the perils of using fire as a main…
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Episode 38: Katie Trickett / International Sideshow, Circus & Variety Performer
This week I chat to the wonderful Katie Trickett Katie Trickett is a sideshow, circus and variety performer living in the UK. She likes shoes, tattoos, small dogs and cake! Katie has a degree in Clothing Design and Technology and was set for a life in the fashion industry until a magician asked…
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Episode 37: Johnny Strange / Sideshow and Freakshow Performer
This week I'm chatting to the amazing and incredible Johnny Strange! Risking life and limb in the name of entertainment is just another day in the office for Johnny Strange. This English born performer traveled the length and breadth of Britain perfecting his art form before touring his show...
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Episode 36: Arielle Firecracker / International Burlesque Artiste
This week I chat to Arielle Firecracker, an amazing lady who performs burlesque but with many a trick up her sleeve! Slithering her way across the globe and charming every snake in her path. Arielle Firecracker is the snake dancing, fire breathing, international burlesque sensation. This twisted...
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Episode 35: Craig Ricci Shaynak / Actor, Writer and Producer
This week I chat to Craig Ricci Shaynak. Interview was recorded back in August 2018 at the Edinburgh Performing Arts Festival. A brilliant guy so sit back and enjoy. Craig Ricci Shaynak is an actor, writer, and producer living in Hollywood, California who has appeared in the Edinburgh Festival...
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Episode 34: Miss Strawberry Moon / Comedic Burlesque Performer
This week I chat to the amazing Amanda Blyth better known as Miss Strawberry Moon. Miss Strawberry Moon is a comedic performer who takes the ordinary out of the extraordinary, bringing a rainbow of colour, humour and energy into each fantastical performance she makes! She has performed...
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Episode 33: Chris Jones / Screenfighter and Martial Artist Instructor
Born in January of 1980, Chris first began his journey in the Martial Arts aged 8. Inspired, as many were at the time, by the movie 'The Karate Kid', Chris joined the local Taekwondo school in his home town of Balby in Doncaster. He enjoyed the high energy kicking style associated with Olympic...
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Episode 32: Ian Longstaff / Voldemort Look-a-like and Comedy Poet
This week I chat to the very entertaining and talented Ian Longstaff. Ian began his career in London, on the comedy circuit as a comedy poet, breaking into the UK comedy circuit, performing in stand up clubs up and down Britain, publishing his poems and performing poetry at live comedy gigs. By a...
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Episode 31: Dynasty / Drag Queen
This week I chat to Dynasty a young drag queen starting out on her drag journey. She can be found down at Filthy Gorgeous a fortnightly drag night in Canal Street plus many other glam nights in and around Manchester. Possibly one of the noisiest interviews apologies for the background banging!...
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Episode 30: Eileen Bothways / Drag Artist
This week I chat to Eileen Bothways an amazing drag performer who has performed all over the world. They have just come 2nd at the World Burlesque Games, as well as constantly appearing in drag shows up and down the UK. A former theatre producer, Eileen chats to us about their journey into…
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Episode 29: Lilly Von Ice / Burlesque Dancer
This week I chat to Alice Ashurst better known as Lilly Von Ice. A great episode where we start on her journey into performance at the age of three as an ice skater! Alice then describes how she later entered into the world of burlesque via pole classes and learning circus skills on the way.…
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Episode 28: Bunny Ron / Magician
This week I chat to Bunny Ron, yes that is his actual name! Originally from Bradford in England, Bunny moved to Australia to further his magic skills and performance. We chat about his trial at Manchester United Football club after being spotted by football scouts. But then due to personal...
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Episode 27: Naomi Paxton / Character comedian, researcher, academic and public engager
This week I chat to the wonderful and multi-talented Naomi Paxton. Naomi trained as a performer at Goldsmiths College, University of London, and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland). After ten years as a professional actor, she started a PhD. Her...
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Episode 26: David Bonfadini aka The Magic Crasher / Street Magician
This week I chat to David Bonfadini aka The Magic Crasher. David Bonfadini "The Magicianist" inspires us all to "Keep it Real, Keep it Magic, Keep it Real Magic." As a result of Bonfadini's primarily auto-didactic (self-taught) ways, David has developed a completely original presentational style...
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Episode 25: Valen Vain / Male Burlesque performer and Events Organiser
This week I chat to the wonderful Valen Vain. Valen is a male model as well as a burlesque performer, and also an events organiser. We talked about his journey into modelling which started with Bizarre magazine. As he says himself he is excessively flamboyant, a pole dancer, compere, boylesque...
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Episode 24: Marko / Circus Performer and workshop teacher
This week I chat to Marko who is a circus performer and workshop teacher. Marko has been performing for over 11 years now and travels the UK impressing audiences with his many skills, juggling, the diablo, stilt walking, the list is endless. We also chat about his hero Norman Wisdom, how Norman…
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Episode 23: Victoria Scone / Female Drag Queen / Singer
This week I chat to the wonderful and gorgeous Victoria Scone. She's an unhinged West End diva. She's desperate for success and appears confident, but is full of doubts, but when she performs, my word what a voice! I chatted to Victoria mid Drag Idol 2018 competition back in May when she had...
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Episode 22: Acrobatrix / Double-act comedy circus acrobat spectacular
This week I chat to Leah and Etienne better known as Acrobatrix! They are a double-act comedy circus acrobat spectacular, who've been performing for the last 5 years across the world. Acrobatrix is a two-person comedy circus with plenty of bending, flipping and flying through the air-- the show…
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Episode 21: Bella Donna / Multi-skilled Burlesque Dancer and Fire Performer
This week I chat to Bella Donna who is one of the Monster Cirque acts go check her out on here: Bella Donna Bella takes us through her multi-skilled performances which can include burlesque, fire eating, body burning, fire fans, fire sword fire staff, podium dancing, bed of nails, hot wax, angle...
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Episode 20: Witt 'n Camp / Musical comedy double act (Edfringe Special 2018)
This week is another interview from the Edinburgh Fringe 2018 and I chat to a female musical comedy double act, Witt 'n Camp who are Charlie Howitt and Holly Campbell. The show is an unforgettable sixty minutes of cabaret, character stand up, musical comedy, and burlesque. Lots of characters...
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Episode 19: Dominic Frisby / Character comic and Author (Edfringe Special 2018)
This week I chat to the very talented Dominic Frisby, character comic, voice-over artist, actor, stand-up and author. Dominic started his career as an actor and voice over artist, then by chance graduating onto the comedy circuit by chance via his brother who knew Malcolm Hardee, a legendary…
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Episode 18: Spring Day, Ian Fox and Al Lubel (Edfringe Special)
This week I chatted to Spring Day, Ian Fox and Al Lubel, all live from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Spring Day Who runs the world? Not this bitch. I handed the keys to a drunk guy. Come see Spring Day (her real name!), voted Brooklyn's Best Comedian, tell true tales of the selfishly selfless....
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Episode 17: Verushka Darling / Drag Queen
This week I chat to the fabulous and gorgeous Verushka Darling, international drag queen, multi award winning, multi qualified, multi gendered, multi talented, multi tasking, multi media megastar...with lovely shoes. Based in Sydney, Australia. Verushka has been performing for many years bringing...
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Episode 16: Jay Coates / Event Host and Leather Worker
This week I chat to Jay Coates who is one of the creatives behind Cognitive Merchant which stems from a love of DnD and all thing Fantasy. Jay also works alongside his partner Bea Noir (episode 12) who has been on the show already, jointly the run lots of performance nights which Jay will…
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Episode 15: Cherie Bebe / Burlesque dancer
This week I chat to the wonderful sultry showgirl and mistress of tease Cherie Bebe, burlesque dancer and a lady who runs a host of events and burlesque review shows. In this episode you'll get a taste of life in the burlesque world, from attending auditions and castings to getting the perfect...
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Episode 14: Jynx Monster / Freak Show Performer
This week's guest is the very talented Jynx Monster. Jynx is a multi-skilled performer, she entertains audiences up and down the length and breadth of Great Britain, with dare devil performances which are not to be attempted at home! Listed below are just a variety of her skills. Jynx is also a...
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Episode 13: John Cooper / Character Comedian
This week I catch up with the character comic John Cooper. With his brilliant creation Danny Pensive. From comedy and training to commercial illustration and design, John has no end of talent and interest in these areas. John has performed in hundreds of theatres around the UK and internationally...
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Episode 12: Bea Noir / Multi-skilled performer
This week I chat to the sensational Bea Noir, a multi-skilled performer living in Manchester, originally from Poland. Bea is involved in a host of events and projects which find her performing various acts. These include, bed of nails, fire eating and breathing, pole dancing and guitar grinding!…
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Episode 11: Magik Ash / Magician
This week I chat to Magik Ash, a magician based in the North West of England, who has over 8 years of experience as a magician. Ash can dazzle an audience with incredible sleight of hand, making signed playing Cards appear to impossible locations with fantastic one lined jokes that will leave...
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Episode 10: Mel Hudson / Pop Boutique Manager
This week I chat to Mel Hudson, manager of Pop Boutique in Manchester's Northern Quarter. Mel showed me around the Oldham Street store, an immense variety of vintage clothing from the 60', 70's and 80's. Mel has worked there for many years and knows every inch of the shop and the vast array of...
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Episode 9: Ernesto Tomasini / Castrato Style Performer
Ernesto Tomasini is an Italian actor/singer/writer living in Britain. Best known for his more recent forays into contemporary music, he has also had a 30-year career on the stage. Ernesto begun his career at 16 on the Italian comedy circuit and, later, in the legitimate theatre. Throughout his...
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Episode 8: Jane Miller / Fetish Club Organiser
This week I catch up with Jane Miller who has been a fetish club organiser for Club Lash in Manchester. We chat about how the scene has changed over the years and the different styles of costume, outfits and clothing used with in the fetish scene. Fetish has long since been associated with a…
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Episode 7: Mr Freak / Sword Swallower
This week I chat to Daniel Dorian Johnson better known as Mr Freak, a sword swallower, fire eater and a blockhead! Not a member of Ian Dury's backing band but a common term for a lot of circus acts who like to nail things into their heads and other parts of the anatomy! Mr Freak the sideshow…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This is a podcast with a difference where all the guests are from the world of alternative performance; burlesque dancers, illusionists, fetish acts, drag queens, character acts, circus clowns, sword swallowers & special FX make up artists. I'm your host Jeff Downs, character comic and budding drag artist and want you to join me on a journey through the world of the 'funny peculiar!'.
HOSTED BY
Jeff Downs
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Funny Peculiar Podcast have?
Funny Peculiar Podcast currently has 51 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Funny Peculiar Podcast about?
This is a podcast with a difference where all the guests are from the world of alternative performance; burlesque dancers, illusionists, fetish acts, drag queens, character acts, circus clowns, sword swallowers & special FX make up artists. I'm your host Jeff Downs, character comic and budding drag...
How often does Funny Peculiar Podcast release new episodes?
Funny Peculiar Podcast has 51 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Funny Peculiar Podcast?
You can listen to Funny Peculiar Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Funny Peculiar Podcast?
Funny Peculiar Podcast is created and hosted by Jeff Downs.
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