Not sure if you want to see the show?
Well, The Chicago Reader LOVED IT!
“Sideshow entertainer Thom Britton’s solo show is part performance, part demonstration. Britton is a charismatic performer who appears genuinely thrilled to share how simple his seemingly death-defying acts really are. His explanations are peppered with jokes and carnival flair, making even the dullest details memorable and entertaining. I may have retained more information about science and history during a single carnival-themed night than in all my years of schooling.”
Who else loved it?
“Sideshow Visionary”
“He’ll eat fire, walk on glass, absorb a million volts for your amusement.”
“His one-man show breaks circus acts — such as fire swallowing — down to bare bones physics.”
“That is unbelievable!”
“...a show unlike any other — part lecture, part story and part physics lesson, Thom Britton had everyone on the edge of their seats. The best part? Getting a lesson on how to eat fire!”
Chicago Reader
"I may have retained more information about science and history during a single carnival-themed night than in all my years of schooling."
Time Out Chicago
“Sideshow Visionary”
“Britton is a charismatic performer who appears genuinely thrilled to share how simple his seemingly death-defying acts really are. ”
“A fast-paced and funny look at life as a fire-eater.”
FreakShow & Tell?
At 16 years old I began to see sideshow acts and started to perform in a circus. I learned a variety of skills and performed about 12 times a day, 7 days a week. It was a wonderful and exhausting practice.
In my early 20s, I decided to continue my education. I went to college and earned an Applied Sciences degree. This training is nothing special, but it feeds my love of science and makes me ask the question, "how does that work?"
The acts I have chosen for you this evening are the creme de la creme, the very best and most interesting experiments I've had the pleasure of learning and performing.
FreakShow & Tell at TedX
One of the world's most unique fire eaters. Thom Britton blends stand-up comedy, storytelling and danger into an act that is 10,000 years old and brand new - at the same time.
But, the show isn't just fire eating!
Over 100,000 volts of electricity, nails, chainsaws and broken glass are playthings for Thom Britton in FreakShow & Tell.
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
“Fire eating, glass walking and hundreds of thousands of volts of electricity collide with comedy and storytelling in this one-of-a-kind show.”
“I highly recommend putting aside your preconceived notions about freak shows so that you can enjoy a very entertaining evening that’s ripped from the history pages.”
Booking the show for your theater or college?
G.G. Greg Agency 800-901-8485
FreakShow & Tell LIVE at YOUR SCHOOL!
News Clips
Booking the show for your theater?
G.G. Greg Agency 1-800-901-8485
Some press quotes....
“What makes Thom very special, is that he wants to explain it all to you.”
Chicago Reader
“Britton is a charismatic performer who appears genuinely thrilled to share how simple his seemingly death-defying acts really are. His explanations are peppered with jokes and carnival flair, making even the dullest details memorable and entertaining.”
“Britton has traded classic sideshow glitz for a lab coat and a personable demeanor.”
“He’ll eat fire, walk on glass, absorb a million volts for your amusement.”
Yelp Official Blog
A show unlike any other — part lecture, part story and part physics lesson, Thom Britton had everyone on the edge of their seats. The best part? Getting a lesson on how to eat fire!
“A completely unique sideshow act full of fire-eating, glass-walking, chainsaws, electricity and much much more!”
“His one-man show breaks circus acts — such as fire swallowing — down to bare bones physics.”
“a fast-paced and funny look at life as a fire-eater.”
“You helped inspire thousands...”
“That is unbelievable!”
“You Need Nerves of Steel and a Bit of Science to Eat Fire ”
“His tireless work ethic, unusual background and eclectic collection of passions translate to the stage as a truly novel and subversive experience.”
Where has FreakShow & Tell been performed?
Theaters:
The Lyric Opera House, Chicago
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Cornservatory Theater, Chicago
The Lincoln Loft, Chicago
The No Exit Theater, Chicago
The Den Theater, Chicago
Work/Play Theater, Birmingham
The Emerald Theater, Detroit
True Brew Theater, New Orleans
Space Club HQ, Chicago
Nebbia Gallery, Chicago
The WIP Theater, Chicago
Mary-Arrchie Theatre, Chicago
Goose Island Theater, Chicago
The Arlee Theater, Illinois
Prop Theater, Chicago
Time Community Theater, Oshkosh
PARC Theater, Michigan
Science Centers
Ontario Science Centre, Toronto
Arizona Science Center, Arizona
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
International Museum of Surgical Science, Chicago
Clubs:
Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Detroit
The Rockin’ Horse, Baton Rouge
The Other Place, Traverse City
Richoux’s Comedy Club, Baton Rouge
The Lincoln Lodge, Chicago
Festivals:
City Stages, Birmingham
99X Fest, Atlanta
Sloss Fright Furnace, Birmingham
Abbey Hoffman Died For Our Sins, Chicago
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, Phoenix
Appeared with:
Penn & Teller
Green Day
Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Lincoln Park
Disturbed
Incubus
Stone Temple Pilots
Colleges:
Norwich University
West Virgina Tech
Gannon University
Central Mich. University
Eastern Kentucky University
Sussex County Comm College
Hartwick College
Thompkins – Cortland Comm college
Elgin Comm College
Salem International University
Univ VA Wise
Pikeville College
Western Kentucky University
Muskingham College
Edison Comm College
Urbana College
Transylvania University
Wayne State University
Hocking College
Concord College
St. Boneventure University
Hilbert College
Rutgers College
Cartret College
Central Mich. University
Eastern Kentucky University
Sussex County Comm. College
Western Kentucky University
Muskingham College
Edison Comm College
Urbana College
UNC Pembroke
Longwood University
Clemson University
Alfred University
SUNY Delhi
SUNY Cobleskill
Kutztown University
Albion College
Indiana University
Lake Erie College
College of DuPage
Aurora University
Hiram College
Arizona State University
SUNY Oneonta
Monroe College
Alfred State University
Herkimer Comm. College
Eastern Il University
Chattanooga State University
Abraham Baldwin College
Univ. of W. Florida
Catonsville Comm. College
PLUS a ton more that I can't remember.
Just Announced….
Magic VS Science
April | Fridays | 8pm | $30 | Chicago
Jake Mayfield is a mind reader. Thom Britton (FreakShow & Tell) is a science nerd! They have joined forces and combined shows for an evening’s event.
7pm Doors Open at the Sideshow Gelato Theater.
Come on in, pick your seat in the theater and eat some gelato.
8pm SHOWTIME!
The show starts with FreakShow & Tell, A scientific look at: Fire Eating, Tesla Coils and Glass Walking. Thom Britton (FreakShow & Tell) explains the science behind some of the most amazing feats ever witnessed.
Then Jake will join Thom onstage to demonstrate a place where science and mind reading overlap! A little combo-trick to bridge the gap.
Now Jake Mayfield takes over - reading your mind, predicting the future and showing you the potential of the human mind only dreamt of in sci-fi.
And then… a FINALE! Another combo-trick to finish the show with both Thom and Jake performing together on stage. New material AND classics from both performers in ONE SHOW!
9:30pm Show’s over.. almost.
Join us in the gelato shop next door for a little Q&A and a free gift for you from both of the performers! Have some more gelato - we won’t judge you.
10pm BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
This Gelato shop and Theater space holds one more secret - a museum of the odd and unusual. Get a tour from the Shop’s Owner (Jay Bliznick), Thom, Jake and/or special guests!
Learn the secret history of the FreakShow and see a couple of pieces from Thom and Jake’s private collection.
11pm Go home!
Get out of here with souvenirs and memories you will never forget.
