Magic box keys used by Poncho and Bubbles

Date1976-1995

Object number00033977

NameKeys

MediumPaper, ink, adhesive

DimensionsOverall: 97 x 54 x 24 mm, 0.017 kg

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Tanner & Rose Clowns

Terms

DescriptionThese keys were used by the clowns Poncho and Bubbles to open one of their magic box props. Harold Tanner and Marcelle Rose were both the creators and performers of Poncho and Bubbles, who worked on cruise ships for almost 20 years. In true clown tradition Poncho and Bubbles appeared in big bright costumes with oversized props. Poncho made and repaired most of the props and magic tricks that they used as part of their slapstick act.HistoryHarold Tanner (Poncho) and Marcelle Rose (Bubbles) started out as duettists singing musical numbers and opera in the 1950s. They worked clubs and hotels by night under the name Tanner and Rose and performed at children's parties by day as clowns Poncho and Bubbles. Poncho and Bubbles were spotted by a scout for Sitmar cruises in 1976 and were employed on the FAIRSKY end-of-year cruise. They were a huge success and were booked to work again. They continued to perform for school holiday cruises on ships like FAIRSTAR, ORIANA, MINGHUA, CANBERRA and ACHILLE LAURO for the next 20 years. Poncho and Bubbles liked to work close to their audience and personalised their act by transforming themselves from Marcelle and Harold into Bubbles and Poncho while on stage. They would start in their civilian clothes and slowly apply their characteristic clown makeup and put on their costumes, socks, shoes, wig and hat. This was their trademark performance. Marcelle and Harold believed that many children were scared of clowns so this visual transformation helped children understand that clowns were real people. Their son Clive was born in 1961. He started performing as Pimple when he was six years old. At 15 he would work on one ship while his parents performed on another. By the late 1990s there was a definite shift away from entertainers like Poncho and Bubbles. Their last performance was on FAIRSTAR in 1995.SignificanceFrom the 1970s cruise lines such as Sitmar and P&O pitched their cruises as affordable family fun. Professional staff, activities and entertainers were provided for children, leaving parents free to relax. The Poncho and Bubbles collection is representative of a period when performers like clowns were fashionable entertainment for children on cruise liners. Today Poncho and Bubbles remain one of the longest running clown shows in Australia (1976-1995).