By David F. Rooney
Mervyn Heard — best known as Professor Heard to his many fans — is back a third time to present two Magic Lantern Shows at the Nickelodeon Museum during Railway Days.
The British expert on all things related to Magic Lanterns will be conducting shows on Thursday, August 12, and Saturday, August 14, at 7:30 pm.
Heard blends fact, history and humour together for unforgettable evenings dedicated to the popular entertainment devices that were invented in the 17th Century.
“Alas, there are very few 17th Century slides left,” he said. “Most of the materials I use are Victorian, which was the hey day of the Magic Lantern,”
Like TVs and DVD players today, Magic Lanterns were available for purchase or rent. They were also set up at local halls and shows conducted for people from different social classes, Heard said in an interview Wednesday.
Magic Lantern shows told stories, were frequently comedic and often set to music. Others were used to inspire audiences spiritually or morally.
You can see Professor Heard’s shows at the Nickelodeon Museum on Thursday, August 12, and Saturday, August 14, at 7:30 pm. For additional information please call the museum at 250-837-5250.
