In this video podcast, Professor Vanessa Toulmin, Director of the National Fairground Archive at the University of Sheffield, discusses ‘Admission All Classes‘, a series of unique variety events which have been held in Blackpool over the last three years.

The shows were inspired by Professor Toulmin’s research using the National Fairground Archive, in partnership with Blackpool City Council and funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council through its Knowledge Transfer program. ‘Admission All Classes‘ combines modern theatre with traditional circus and burlesque performances, and has featured everything from ballroom dancing to the world’s only female sword-swallower. The events began in 2007 and will continue into 2010.

Professor Toulmin's award came through the AHRC Knowledge Transfer Fellowship scheme, which exists to encourage collaboration and the sharing of resources between academic and other communities. The project is about “bringing our research to a wider audience”, says Professor Toulmin, and has shown that “high-class research... can be fun, dynamic, interesting and innovative”.

Running Time: Approx 5 minutes. File size 14mb

If you would like a transcript of this podcast please email communications@ahrc.ac.uk

If you are having trouble viewing the video, it is also available on our YouTube channel.