Uncle Mack's Minstrel Seaside Show

From the collection of

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton
Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton collects, preserves, catalogues and provides public access to its collection of films and magic lantern slides. The collection charts the rise of screen culture in the region and the nation and captures many aspects of life, work and creativity in the South East from the late 19th century to the present day. It is available for research, screenings, creative re-use and commercial access.

Uncle Mack's Minstrel Seaside Show


Enid Briggs' film captures an aspect of Bygone Britain that was once a regular feature of the seaside scene of the time. On an outdoor stage a troupe of minstrels perform their act while wearing 'blackface' make-up and Pierrot costumes. They sing and dance - individually and together while musicians play in the background. The audience watches the show sitting in deckchairs while the troupe also perform a sequence in drag - though retaining the 'blackface' make-up.


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