Funny Peculiar Podcast

Jeff Downs

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Performing Arts
Updated Semiweekly

This is a podcast with a difference where all the guests are from the world of alternative performance; burlesque dancers, illusionists, fetish acts, drag queens, character acts, circus clowns, sword swallowers & special FX make up artists. I'm your host Jeff Downs, character comic and budding drag artist and want you to join me on a journey through the world of the 'funny peculiar!'.

1d ago

Episode 56: Ben the Juggler - Juggler and Comedy Entertainer

Ben studied Theatre at Dartington College of Arts specialising in Movement and whilst there learnt to juggle and fell in love with Circus arts and street performing. He has been performing comedy juggling shows ever since in theatres, in schools, at festivals, holiday camps, theme parks, Community centres and even Art Galleries. In 2019 Ben went to Circomedia to study for am MA in Directing Circus. In 2020/21 he wrote a book ' Juggling..the Art of Practice'. One half of the award winning duo Circus Berzercus one of the National Rural Touring Forums favourite companies. You can find Ben here: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/thehatguy https://www.instagram.com/ben_the_juggler/ https://www.facebook.com/p/Ben-the-Juggler-100064588663958/ https://circusberzercus.co.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kqjHteDm4E https://www.youtube.com/@bencornish6910
3d ago

Episode 55: Jonathan Geffner - Ventriloquist, writer and musician

Jonathan Geffner and his puppet partners have enchanted audiences of all ages and sizes throughout the USA and beyond. They have appeared on the nationally seen television programs: Late Night (NBC), Hour Magazine (FOX), The Joe Franklin Show (WOR), Dialogue (ABC) and KTV (CNBC). Jonathan has also appeared on numerous cable TV programs, and has been featured on ABC-TV News and News-12 Long Island. National TV audiences have also seen Jonathan and Friends in several anti-drug PSAs. Their award-winning videos have been seen in thousands of schools across the country. Jonathan's new web series, Trillo & Suede, is now on YouTube: youtube.com/c/TrilloSuede The Dummy Detective https://www.gothikhouse.com/thedummydetectivemovie https://www.youtube.com/c/TrilloSuede Jonathan has written screenplays for several Trillo & Suede feature films. Having come close to funding his films several times—only to see the elusive money disappear each time into the dreaded Indie Film Makers' Twilight Zone—Jonathan decided to turn his screenplays into novels. While the Village Sleeps is the first in a projected series of Trillo & Suede mystery novels. While the Village Sleeps Intro Video to the Trillo & Suede characters And outtakes from that Intro Video...(Warning: includes adult language!) Jonathan also performs for adult audiences Jonathan is also a pianist and accompanist, with an MM in Piano from Manhattan School of Music. Here he is playing Gershwin... Jonathan plays Do, Do, Do Jonathan plays That Certain Feeling Connect with Jonathan... Facebook.com/ventriloquist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathangeffner01/ www.facebook.com/trilloandsuede @thedummydetective
Aug 19

Episode 54: Daniel Hanton - Punch and Judy Entertainer

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:2b1ca45d-c49a-44d1-8107-d30931486277-2" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:2b1ca45d-c49a-44d1-8107-d30931486277-2" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant"> Daniel Hanton – Punch & Judy Performer As a child, Daniel Hanton's first experience of Punch and Judy was on the beaches of Great Yarmouth, watching Guy Richardson and Mike Wallis, or on a trip down the road to Lowestoft to see Professor Jingles. Growing up in a seaside resort, his summer holidays were a magical time, filled with plenty of entertainment for him to enjoy. Spending his summers watching the show, with the sand between his toes, transported Daniel to another world of sandcastles and ice creams. Looking back, he remembers being fascinated by the booth. Was there a staircase inside for the puppets to walk up and down? Did Mr Punch really have a bed that he couldn't see? It may seem silly now, but as a child, Daniel believed that each performer had created a little world for their characters — a world that the audience could truly believe in. He remembers feeling short-changed if there was no painted scenery and just a black backdrop, and he still feels the same today. For Daniel, it all helps create that magical pretend world that feels completely real to children. He was fascinated, almost obsessed, by Punch as a child — and he still is today. His passion began by performing shows for the other children on his street, using a small cut-out puppet theatre balanced on top of the garden wall. He would hide behind it, just as he had seen the professional performers disappear inside their booths. For Daniel, being a Punch and Judy performer is the best thing in the world. There was, however, one location where he always wanted to perform the show: the very place where he had first discovered Punch and Judy — the beach. In 2019, Daniel brought Punch's voice back to the sands of Gorleston-on-Sea beach, after an absence of 30 years. Today, Daniel performs his traditional Punch and Judy show throughout East Anglia, appearing at carnivals, fetes, country estates, festivals and private parties. He particularly loves hearing the laughter of the audience, especially children who can laugh and shout as loudly as they want. For Daniel, creating a pantomime puppet world that can be enjoyed by families aged 3 to 103 is a privilege. This good old-fashioned British entertainment has delighted audiences for more than 350 years — a remarkable testament to the enduring love of a little wooden puppet. Please see links below to contact Daniel https://punchandjudyclub.com/members/daniel-hanton.html Instagram Facebook
Aug 11

Episode 53: Meadow Perry - Magician and Bubble Artist

Meadow Perry is an internationally acclaimed female magician, bubble artist, and mentalist who creates sophisticated, high-impact entertainment for corporate events, galas, weddings, and private celebrations. Known for her versatility, Meadow delivers both breathtaking stage performances and refined strolling close-up magic and mentalism, allowing her to seamlessly elevate everything from grand ballrooms to intimate cocktail hours. Her close-up magic engages guests at their tables and throughout receptions, creating moments of astonishment that feel personal, intelligent, and effortlessly elegant. Her signature stage production, "Bubble Magic," transforms bubble artistry into a cinematic theatrical experience—blending magic, music, and movement to reveal the unexpected beauty hidden within soap bubbles. Paired with her polished close-up work, Meadow offers a rare combination of visual spectacle and interactive magic, making her a highly sought-after entertainer for luxury events and corporate functions. Meadow is a featured co-star of The Magic Duel, the #1 top-rated comedy magic show, and has appeared on The CW's Masters of Illusion. She is a regular performer at the World-Famous Hollywood Magic Castle in the prestigious Palace of Mystery and has performed at elite venues and events across the country. Her client list includes Amazon, Paramount, and numerous high-profile organizations and cultural institutions, including the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Society of American Magicians, Washington Magic, The Boston Magic Lab, Philadelphia's Smoke & Mirrors Magic Theater, The House of Magic, and the Philadelphia Zoo. With over 18 million views on TikTok and more than 300,000 followers, Meadow has become one of the most visible and in-demand female magicians and bubble artists working today. Her work earned her the cover of VANISH Magic Magazine (April 2024) and recognition in the Los Angeles Tribune bestselling book The Power of Magical Women by Connie Boyd. Beyond the stage, Meadow is a respected educator and creative consultant. She teaches bubble artistry through Bubble U, serves as a guest lecturer across performance disciplines, and collaborates behind the scenes with brands such as Biore and South Beach Bubbles. Whether headlining a luxury event, enhancing a cocktail hour with strolling close-up magic and mentalism, or creating bespoke entertainment for discerning clients, Meadow Perry delivers polished, professional magic that leaves a lasting impression. You can find Meadow: https://www.meadowperry.com/ https://www.instagram.com/meadowperry https://houseofmagicpa.com/
May 9

Episode 52: Big Sam - The Beast of Bodmin / Professional UK Wrestler

Thanks to Big Sam for coming on the show - my first wrestler and what a treat. A brilliant episode. Here is more info on Sam with links below: Growing up in Cornwall, he developed a love for wrestling at the age of seven. Wrestling became an escape from a difficult home life, which included caring responsibilities after his father left when he was seven years old. During school, he experienced severe bullying, including having his nose broken by older students while in primary school. After becoming homeschooled, he grew increasingly reclusive. At 16, a family friend introduced him to weightlifting at the gym, helping him build both confidence and physical strength. By 19, he was trying out for American football, but at 23 he suffered a major injury, completely tearing three ligaments. The recovery process required two surgeries and lasted two years and two months. Following his recovery, he decided to pursue wrestling as a "now or never" opportunity. He travelled an hour and a half to attend his first training session, ultimately spending five hours training on that very first day and immediately falling in love with the sport. Thanks to his size and presence, he had his first wrestling match just three months into training. However, after only two matches, he was forced to step away from wrestling for five years. During that time, he met Jason King at one of the wrestling shows he had appeared on, and later met him again outside a WWE event in Plymouth. It was there that Jason King recognised both his size and his potential as a major attraction in wrestling. On May 3rd, 2023, he stepped into Reach Wrestling to begin training once again. Since returning to active competition around two years ago, he has competed in 105 matches, including international appearances in France. During that time, he has held two tag team championships for different companies and is currently the CPW Cornish Heavyweight Champion. If you would like to see Big Sam or more wrestlers please visit: Reach Wrestling Socials Instagram and Tiktok are both: @thebeast.big.sam
Apr 22

Episode 51: Adam Conroy / DJ, Music Producer, Record Label Owner and Artist Development

Welcome back! In this episode I chat to Adam Conroy a dynamic DJ, music producer, and record label owner known for his roots in the North East of England. Beginning his career in Middlesbrough and Newcastle, he built a reputation for energetic, crowd-focused sets before expanding into music production and artist development. His passion for sound led him into university studies, refining his craft and business acumen while evolving into a forward-thinking figure in the wider music industry. A great guest and champion for the younger artists emerging into today's competitive music industry.
05/08/2019

Episode 50: Lucy Lush / Drag Queen and Radio Presenter

This week and I chat to the amazingly talented Lucy Lush, drag queen extraordinaire. Lucy Lush is a drag artiste actress/actor plus one of the campcooks touring UK wide festivals also a Broadcast Journalist for gaydio Lucy boasts a flamboyant career spanning 20 years working with drag legends, such as Lily Savage. But, while the name may not be instantly recognisable, his alter ego may well raise a few eyebrows. She travels all over the UK as drag queen Lucy Lush, performing shows under other guises including Hilda Crabtree, Lucy's 70-year-old grandmother. Lucy Lush is not an everyday drag act and uses comedy put together from recent topical news stories to constantly update his acts. "When Lucy Lush is on stage Lucy Lush is real." "From a performance aspect I can be as outrageous as possible and it's all purely for fun." A massive thank you to Lucy for being my final guest on the podcast. It's truly a great interview. https://twitter.com/therealLucyLush https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009111483198 https://www.instagram.com/lucylushuk/?hl=en
05/05/2019

Episode 49: Vivien Ella Walden / Madam and Author

This week I speak to Vivien Ella Walden author of Eating from the Cherry Tree. Vivien Ella Walden who is still alive and kicking, born in Salford Manchester. Raised in a loving working class Jewish family she ran from her heritage, bared her perfectly formed derriere and partied with the elite and famous while taking on many guises and titles. With the death of her first husband she took on his mantle and grew to become one of the UK's most successful 'madams' within a world of scandal and naughtiness, corruption and suffering, sadness and exhilarating happiness. 'After all these years, I am still involved in the process of self-discovery. It's better to explore life and make mistakes than to play it safe. Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life'. EATING FROM THE CHERRY TREE: You had me gripped from the very beginning and captivated me on every single page. A life filled with trauma, tragedy humour and sexiness. Opening your world through beautiful use of language that evaporates any concept of taboo.#5STAR #reviewMyBook.to/CherryTree Thanks to Vivien for coming on the show. Social media: https://www.facebook.com/viv.walden.71 https://twitter.com/vivienwalden

This is a podcast with a difference where all the guests are from the world of alternative performance; burlesque dancers, illusionists, fetish acts, drag queens, character acts, circus clowns, sword swallowers & special FX make up artists. I'm your host Jeff Downs, character comic and budding drag artist and want you to join me on a journey through the world of the 'funny peculiar!'.

Creator

Jeff Downs
Years Active

2018 - 2026
Episodes

56
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Copyright Jeff Downs 2026
Show Website

Funny Peculiar Podcast