Angelsstandcorrected

The back-story to this film is that I wanted to make a film about the history of the freak show. I was interested in the idea that physical deformity is so uncomfortable to ‘normal’ people that disabled people have historically and traditionally been shut away and isolated. The exception being the Circus sideshows and ‘freak shows’ where deformities both real and constructed were shown to a gawping and gullible public. Until about 1940 the ‘freak show’ was very popular, but surely it was no more – we live in a far more enlightened age. Whilst researching the ‘freak show’ a friend in LA told me he’d heard of a new travelling freak show and that I should check it out. I knew about the static side shows on Coney Island etc but the idea that some-one had resurrected a travelling freak show was immensely intriguing. I had to know more. Traditionally the ‘freak show’ would have performed at State Fairs, setting up on the Midway ( the central thoroughfare ) and doing exceptional business. These days that’s not possible as ‘freak shows’ are banned from State fairs – these performers are not allowed to entertain and educate as it is considered offensive and incorrect – but that’s a different story. This new roaming show would have to play in bars, small theatres and colleges. I contacted them and after a series of e mails and phone calls (they were on the west coast of America and I was in the UK) it was finally agreed that I would join them on their 2006 tour…it was to have a major effect on my life.