To many, the Victorian era seems the very model of constrained, rigid, staid behavior. Yet it was also an era of amazing eccentricity! During the 1880's and 1890's, Victorians were in a constant search for new sensations (rather like today!). Hence, this period saw the emergence of a host of bizarre, eccentric, and sensational performances, from entertainers who played cards underwater to a gentleman who could play the piano with his nose. New technologies were a constant inspiration to such performers, who explored what could be done with this new-fangled electricity and more. Here's a look at some rather "off the wall" Victorian "acts."

John Spooner's Great Human Menagerie, by Joel Stacy (St. Nicholas, 1875)

This is basically an explanation of how to create a "menagerie" of children using some rather clever costumes.

Whistling as a Profession: An Interview with Mr. Charles Capper, by Lucian Sorrel (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1895)

The Great Wizard of the West: Mr. J.N. Maskelyne at the Egyptian Hall, by T. Hanson Lewis (English Illustrated Magazine, 1895A)

An Animal Actor, by Harry How (The Strand, 1895B)

An "Interviewette" with Charles Lauri, who made a career of playing various types of animals and was particularly known for his role as an orangutan.

Some Peculiar Entertainments, by Framley Steelcroft (The Strand, 1896A)

A variety of "sideshow" acts.

Paper-Folding, by L.S. Lewis (The Strand, 1896B)

Mr. David Devant, master of the performance art of "lightning paper-folding" to create a variety of shapes.

"Professor Hoffman" and Conjuring, by George Knight (Windsor Magazine, 1896B)

"Professor Hoffman" is actually Angelo Lewis, author of the book Modern Magic.

Sideshows, by William G. FitzGerald (The Strand, 1897A & B)

The Greatest Juggler in the World, by William G. FitzGerald (The Strand, 1897A)

Hand Shadows, by Bernard Miller (The Strand, 1897B)

Hand-shadow performances of David Devant and M. Trewey.

A Human Alphabet, by William G. FitzGerald (The Strand, 1897B)

Just what it says - an alphabet composed of living human figures.

A New Entertainer of Society: A Talk with Miss Beatrice Herford, by Archibald Cromwell (Windsor Magazine, 1897B)

The humorous monologues or recitals of performer who would be described today as an "impressionist."

The Greatest of Acrobats: The "Marvellous Craggs," by Robert Machray (Windsor, 1898A)

A Champion Orange-Peeler, by A.B. Henn (The Strand, 1899B)

An ocean-going chef's unusual hobby.

Walking the Pole, by A.H. Broadwell (The Strand, 1899B)

A new carnival entertainment.

A Curious Electrical Display, by Harold Shepstone (The Strand, 1900A)

An American performer who uses wired Indian clubs to create an electric light display.

General Tom Thumb, by Mary Shears (St. Nicholas, 1900A)

A famous dwarf born in Bridgport, CT, around 1832, who became a sensation in Mr. Barnum's circus.

The Most Extraordinary Dinner on Earth, by Albert Broadwell (The Strand, 1900A)

The dinner-juggling performance of The Rambler Troupe.

A Musical Curiosity; or, an Automaton Orchestra, by M. Dinorben Griffith (The Strand, 1900A)

Mysterious Box Tricks, by James Scott (The Strand, 1900A)

The "Soap-Bubblers'" First Reception, by Meredith Nugent (St. Nicholas, 1900A)

An amazing soap bubble performance, with giant bubbles, bubbles containing people, bubbles within bubbles and more.

The Human Ostrich (Strand, 1901A)

Henry Harrison, who has baffled medical science by being able to consume pins, nails, knives, glass, etc. He discovered this ability as a child and apparently continues to enjoy munching on metal.

The Jones-Hilliard Bicycle Sensation, by Tertius Carr (Strand, 1901B)

A spectacular demonstration of hands-free cycling by Charles Jones.

A Lightning Modeler, by Frank Holmfield (Strand, 1901B)

No, Mr. De Bessell doesn't model lightning; he creates models and faces in clay at lightning speed - on stage.

The Most Sensational Motor Ride, by Winston Spencer (Strand, 1901B)

Charles Kilpatrick's performance in New York of driving an automobile down a steep chute at top speed.

A Parlour Séance with David Devant, by E.T. Sachs (Strand, 1901B)

No ghosts involved; a famous conjurer demonstrates some of his tricks.

[Fred Connor] The Skipping [Rope] Champion of the World, by Fred A. Talbot (Strand, 1901B)

Ball-Hopping Extraordinary, by Frank Holmfield (Windsor Magazine, 1902A)

A remarkable performance at the Alhambra in London.

Piano-Playing Extraordinary, by Frank Holmfield (Windsor Magazine, 1903)

The truly extraodinary piano-playing methods of George Ross Gilfallan, who plays classical pieces with his nose, his feet, upside down and more.

Animal Acts

The Dog Orchestra, by John West (The Strand, 1897B)

A look at six dogs who, yes, actually play musical instruments!

An Educated Monkey (The Strand, 1897B)

An orangutan who became a San Francisco sensation!

Diving Elks, by Emory James (The Strand, 1898B)

A Burlesque Bull-Fight, by Arthur Broadwell (The Strand, 1899B)

Queen Victoria required personal assurance that this Southend performance was, in fact, all innocent fun...

Diving Horses, by Arthur Broadwell (The Strand, 1900A)

Football Dogs, by Albert Broadwell (The Strand, 1900A)

Dogs trained to play soccer.

A Novelty on the Race-Course, by M.F. Toler (Strand, 1901A)

A pair of race-horses driven by a pair of spaniels.

Boxing Horses, by H.J. Holmes (Windsor Magazine, 1903A)

Yes, horses that have been trained to box!

• See also Animals On Show, On Stage and At Work