‘Wizard’ Joseph Jacobs toured the world amazing people with his spectacular ‘experiments’. He visited many towns in Lincolnshire in 1847.
“The Great Original WIZARD VENTRILOQUIST, Professor of Modern Philosphy, and Improvisatore.
Mr. Jacobs, from the Strand Theatre, London, respectfully announces his inimitable and popular entertainment at the Assembly Rooms, Stamford, on Monday the 20th; at the Assembly Rooms, Grantham, on Tuesday the 21st; at the Theatre, Sleaford, on Wednesday the 22d; and at the Assembly Rooms, Boston, on Thursday the 23rd.
Since his last appearance in Lincolnshire, he has visited many of the principal Cities on the continent, and has now to introduce such a variety of ‘new experiments’ that will eclipse all his former efforts, and throw completely into the shade all other Wizards, whether from the East, West, North, or South. His philosophical and Scientific Illusions have gained for him the title of Modern Faustus. No conception can be formed of the effects produced, unless seen. Mr. Jacobs rests his claims to popularity on the ground of combining the intellectual with the amusing – not only are the eyes deceived but the senses are gratified: he has studied the sciences of ‘Chemistry,’ ‘Electricity,’ ‘Galvanism,’ ‘Mechanism,’ and ‘Hydraulics.’ The result of which is that he stands unrivalled – his Apparatus is splendid, and produces the appearance of Arabian Romance – forming a complete Temple of Enchantment. His ‘Ventriloquism’ is also highly amusing, and his ‘Extemporaneous Songs’ on Proposed Subjects by the Audience, after the style of the Italian Improvisatore, as pleasing as they are novel. The whole forms a treat rarely to be met with.
Doors open at Half past Seven, and commence at Eight o’clock precisely. – Children under 12 years of age, Half price. – Front Seats, 2s.; Back Seats, 1s.
N.B. The Wizard will perform also at Spilsby, on Tuesday, December 28th; at Alford, on Wednesday the 29th; At Louth, on Thursday the 30th, and Friday the 31st; and at Horncastle, on Monday, January 3d.”
The Stamford Mercury, 17th December, 1847.