Museum of Curiosities
THE MARVELLOUS HISTORY OF THE MUSEUM OF CURIOSITIES
The unique phenomenon of THE MUSEUM OF CURIOSITIES is altogether something very strange and mysterious. As a Theatre Archivist, I have spent the last 12 years trying to gather information on this elusive and eccentric company, often with very little success, as it appears THE MUSEUM OF CURIOSITIES do not want to be revealed to the general public unless they wish it themselves.
I have created a specific website for this unique Company which you can access from December 7th. If you go onto www.themuseumofcuriosities.co.uk you will see that I have attempted to piece together some fragments of the Company’s history and reveal some hitherto unknown facts about them. If my findings are correct, it will demonstrate that THE MUSEUM OF CURIOSITIES have been in existence for many hundreds of years – which to my mind, is frankly impossible, yet the facts speak for themselves. I leave you to read the material on this website and make up your own mind. However, if you do come to the same conclusion as I have done, then surely we must ask ourselves – Who are these strange oddities? Where did they come from? Why are they here now? And for what reason do they continue to delight and amaze an unsuspecting audience?
I know for a fact that THE MUSEUM OF CURIOSITIES have lain silent and dormant since 1967, but it appears now they will be appearing in Coventry as part of the City’s Christmas Celebrations with a special performance from THE SPIRITUS STATUA. It also seems that William Critchlow and Tomasz Cabale, the owners of the Company, may have been recruiting artistes from Coventry for this particular show, yet despite repeated attempts to find out exactly who these actors and designers are, the trail has gone cold. However, I was contacted by one actor, who prefers to remain anonymous. When I pressed him for more information, he was prepared to say only this: “An envelope with a wax seal came through my door, and when I opened it, it simply said: ‘You have been chosen. Be Ready. More details will follow.’
We may never know why THE MUSEUM OF CURIOSITIES have suddenly resurfaced in Coventry. But one thing is for sure, they are truly “such stuff as dreams are made of” and without a doubt, one of the most extraordinary and bizarre theatrical troupes the world has ever seen, or is ever likely to see.
Julia Wells
Professional Theatre Archivist.