Tuning in…
Tuning in…
Castaway
1 appearance
Circus proprietor from a six-generation circus family; his great-grandfather acquired the title 'Lord' after meeting Queen Victoria.
On the island
Eight records
The Whistling WaltzFavourite
We used to do the flying trapeze to the whistling waltz.
The keepsakes
No book or luxury recorded for this episode.
In conversation
Presenter asks
0:46How many generations back does your family go in circus history?
Uh six
Presenter asks
0:52How did it start?
Well, my great-great-great-grandfather. James Hanger. It was on the victory in the Battle of Trafalgar. He came back with his fingers off. … And £10 a year for life. … He was told that he could start any business on any common land. And nobody could say anything and if he got pulled up with the police. The rules at the back is all written down. said that if you go in front of a magistrate's court He must dismiss the case immediately and give you double cost.
Presenter asks
2:36Can you remember him [Lord George Sanger of Seventy Years a Showman]?
Well yes. Oh I didn't like him at all, yes. I was frightened to death out of him.
Presenter asks
3:52Did you feel it predestined that you would go into the circus?
No, I never thought about it. Going to go in the advertising business. … But joined the army. When I came out of the army I Just seemed to fall into the circus.
Presenter asks
8:07Do you see any changes necessary in the circus? Should it be brought up to date in any way?
No, I don't think so. Perhaps the seats could be a little more comfortable, but … the tradition of the circus, you know, I don't I don't think you can.
Presenter asks
8:21Are you a superstitious man?
Uh no, not really. Only I wouldn't let anybody Come into the tent. First customer with a complimentary ticket. … So I'd sooner have somebody paid first.
“Well, my great-great-great-grandfather. James Hanger. It was on the victory in the Battle of Trafalgar. He came back with his fingers off.”
“Well yes. Oh I didn't like him at all, yes. I was frightened to death out of him.”
“No, I heard the people scream. I had time to think. This is it. I put my head between my knees. Then I hit the ground.”
“This one I think is rather sad. My wife died of a heart attack. Very sudden. Peterborough. And I don't know whether... We see each other again or not. I don't know some people leave it. I always say good night to her every night. I always think I'll see you again.”