Raconteur Andrew Van Buren in this lecture and talk recounts the story of growing up touring the world with his showbusiness parents. From spending time in the Muppet Studios, to travelling into the frozen north of Sweden.
This fascinating story follows Andrew’s childhood through to branching out with his own shows, leading to further adventures around the world. Sharing tales of life behind the scenes of cruise ships, backstage in theatres, life on circus, also behind and in front of the camera lens in television and film studios. Hear about Andrew’s encounters with danger, dictators, celebrities and royalty. The lecture duration is flexible.
Presented either live presentation as a talk, lecture, question and answer, after dinner speaker or online via video conferencing.
The illustrated lecture features unique film footage, photographs, show posters and a glimpse at behind the scenes.
Find out more about Andrew Van Buren in the Biography section
The inspiring story of Andrew Van Buren’s personal quest to resurrect awareness of Philip Astley – Military Hero, Original Ringmaster and Father of Modern Circus.
This lecture and talk explains how Andrew first learnt about Philip Astley, who Astley was, the betrayal of 1992, then from 2009 the growing awareness that town centers need more than just shops to bring people in – could Philip Astley be the lifeline to his birthplace, the market town of Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire?
The illustrated talk takes you on the incredible journey, with successes, disappointments and surprises. You really won’t believe the scale that this story takes and amazing inspiring thread of perseverance. Bringing people together from around the world, including the unveiling of a plaque by HSH Prince Albert and Princess Stephanie in Monte Carlo. Culminating in an incredible outpouring of heart warming good will gestures and teamwork with the creation of the Philip Astley Project.
The lecture duration is flexible.
Presented either live presentation or online via video conferencing.
The illustrated lecture features unique film footage, photographs and a glimpse at behind the scenes.
This lecture and talk takes the format of a sit down interview conversation between Andrew Van Buren and his invited guest.
Previous “Evenings With…” include Carol Gandey of Gandeys World Class Productions discussing “The Business of Circus”, Charlie Cairoli discussing life as the son of a World Famous Clown, Professor Vanessa Toulmin “Ladies of Circus” and Fred Van Buren “Showbiz that Woz”.
The ‘Evenings With…’ Theme, Format and Duration are flexible, as is the guest list.
Best as a live presentation.
The illustrated interview often features unique film footage, photographs and a glimpse at behind the scenes.
This lecture and talk is aimed at both fans and aficionados of magic, illusions and show business. Andrew Van Buren tells of growing up in showbusiness. With tales of how to be a magician and illusionist, showmanship, cabaret shows, theatre tours, film, television shows, cruise ships and life behind the scenes of touring a grand scale illusion show.
Hear about and follow the highs and lows, technical aspects, history, triumphs and a few horror stories along the way. The lecture duration is flexible.
Presented either live presentation or online via video conferencing.
The illustrated lecture features unique film footage, photographs and a glimpse at behind the scenes.
Read more about Andrew and his family in the Family History section
Regularly speaking in a motivational capacity within school class room and assemblies for all ages from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4 plus College / Sixth Form and Higher Education. Also lecturing with question and answer sessions for students of performing arts, offering guidance on all aspects of the entertainment industry. These talks are often combined with Van Buren Circus Skills Workshops to encourage both mental and physical learning.
Andrew has appeared as guest speaker and keynote speaker presenting his inspirational speeches, lectures and talks in various venues from London Science Museum to Houses of Parliament Westminster, London and Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Within Academic institutes of Higher Education Andrew has lectured for the University of Bahia Brazil, Manchester Metropolitan University, Keele University and Staffordshire University among others.
“Andrew, Thank you very much for your excellent talk yesterday. It was interesting and entertaining and everyone really enjoyed it. Several people said it was the best talk they ‘d ever heard! Thank you again.” Linda Polwart – Trentley Probus. October 2022.
"Andrew, thanks for a wonderful evening. It was brilliant. I really enjoyed your talk and I know members enjoyed it too as I have been asked to find out about your other talks and to rebook you."
Rachel Mason Berkswich History Society
"Thanks you so much for visiting Blackpool last week. The talk was such a success as you can see from the Facebook responses, but I had so many compliments on the day as well."
Rachel Sykes Stakeholder and Engagement Coordinator, Blackpool Museum Project
"Andrew shared so many wonderful theatrical and variety stories it would almost be impossible to list them all. But suffice to say, the branch absolutely loved him, and he has promised to come back. Had we not had the pandemic in between he would have returned before now, he is such a physical presence and brings such a fantastic presentation with him."
Mary Lane Equity West of England Variety Branch
"I really enjoyed it, one of the most enjoyable lectures I have ever been to."
Alan Peake Attendee Mercian Mystics Magic Society
"Well done Andrew! I said it following your ‘Astley’ talk and repeat it here – you are an inspiration."
Leslie Melville Blackpool Magicians Club
"Anyone who wants an entertaining speaker for a meeting should not hesitate to contact him as he is highly recommended."
David Outhwaite and Gerald Worland Biddulph and District Genealogy and Historical Society
