LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS... welcome to the big top blog of Douglas McPherson, author of CIRCUS MANIA, the book described by Gerry Cottle as "A passionate and up-to-date look at the circus and its people."

Thursday 21 March 2024

RIP Fred Van Buren and Greta


Fred Van Buren and his wife and assistant Connie Greta (pictured above) put the magic in the circus - literally.

Performing in the circus rings of Gandey's, Fossett's and Chipperfields', Van Buren developed a style of illusion that could be viewed from any angle in-the-round. There was no back to his props that the audience couldn't see.

His most famous stunt was the Vanishing Motorcycle and Rider, while completely surrounded.

Van Buren's fame led to TV appearances including the David Nixon Show and Seaside Special. He was personally chosen by Walt Disney to create magic effects for Snow White on Ice at Wembley, and was an adviser on The Muppet Show.

Since Fred and Connie's retirement from the stage in 1997, the family tradition of spectacular illusions has been continued by their son, Andrew Van Buren.

Fred Van Buren was 91 when he passed away on 6 March this year, Connie having predeceased him in 2020. 





 

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