by Chris » 24 Feb 2009, 16:19
I don't like being separated from my vehicle. I like to have it behind the booth so that in the event of rain I can sling the electrical stuff and puppets inside. Also it is somewhere for me to escape between shows - and if I'm doing a bit of magic I can change props etc.
But there are some shows where they insist that you can only drive onsite before the public arrive, and all vehicles must be off the field and on designated parking areas by a certain time. This is the case with the International Annual Event at which I have performed on several occasions.
One time I arrived late and was refused entry at the gates. I was told I must park up and carry my gear on foot. I protested that this was impossible and that if they did want Punch they had better consult someone who could over-ride the regulations.
After using telephone, radio and smoke signals they failed to contact God or who ever was his deputy at the time so it looked like stalemate and a good twenty minutes passed while the security guard explained that he didn't write the ten commandments and I explained that I had no intention of making a series of half a mile journeys carrying heavy equipment when I had a perfectly serviceable car with wheels, and they had a road which lead straight to where I wanted to go.
Eventually a more reasonable security chap arrived back from his tea break and suggested that he would accompany me, walking in front of the car. This simple expedient would help to reduce to a minimum the numbers of mums and toddlers I would inevitable mow down in my progress.
So this is what we did, he walked in front shouting "Unclean!, unclean!" while I slowly drove behind marvelling at the co-operation of people who took not a blind bit of notice, only moving aside at the last possible moment. The whole journey must have taken a good twenty minutes.
I found out where I was sited, negotiated show times, set-up stall and was just about to start my first show - this must have been nearly an hour later - anyway I had my first audience assembled when security man number one arrived (the uncooperative one remember?). He had, he said, come to escort me and the car back to the car park.
I explained that I was just starting a show. He explained that he couldn't help that but I couldn't leave the car where it was. Why not? Because it is dangerous. But its not moving!
I tried to argue that surely the car was safer, left stationary, tucked away behind my booth, that being driven back through the crowds, but he was adamant.
"Give me one moment - er, what's your name? Stan. Just a moment.
Ladies Gentleman, boys and girls, this is Stan, and he is going to explain to you why you can't watch Punch and Judy. I know you are all ready and want to see it. And I'm all ready and want to show it to you, but Stan here will explain to you just why it is quite impossible."
But Stan seemed to have disappeared! Must have been taken short I suppose.
That was my first visit. On subsequent enquiry I refused the booking unless I could have my car on-site, and I haven't had any difficulties. The last time, marvelously I discovered that there is another loading entrance I can use, a gate very close to my performance area and now nothing could be easier.
This is a long running event and has experienced professionals in charge so is actually very well and efficiently organised. But you only have to get one minion who is over enthusiastic in rule enforcement, and has forgotten that there is something called common sense, and what should be simple becomes a huge problem.
It's good to squawk!