Book Launch and Talk: David Bramwell's Ghosts of the Medicine Show

Five years in the making, Ghosts of the Medicine Show is a brand new book that journeys through the wilder corners of modern entertainment history.

Learn how and why our greatest artists, performers and celebrities owe their tricks, skills and worship to the shamans age-old medicine show and how we an audience are, more than ever, a congregation in need of healing.

My research took me across the UK and Europe as I explore the influence of gladiatorial talent shows like The X-Factor, the persecution and romanticisation of travelling people, and the death and resurrection narratives that dominate our most cherished Christmas stories.

While greatly inspired by Rogan Taylor's Death and Resurrection Show (which has remained out of print since 1985) my book attempts to reframe many of its ideas in our digital age and with a broader exploration of 'shaman' like artists that include Brighton's Marissa Carnesky, David Devant and His Spirit Wife, Nick Cave, Alice Coltrane, Ozzy, Yoko Ono, Jesse Darling, Fever Ray, David Hoyle, Kate Bush and, of course, David Bowie.

In an age of soul sickness, we need our Bowies more than ever.

The show must go on because, this book aims to demonstrate, the show IS the medicine.For the night I'll be giving a brand new talk and short readings.

It'll all be peppered with audio and visual clips and maybe even a bit of audience participation (in a good way)Tickets are 5 to cover the hire cost of the Nightingale and will also entitle you to 5 off purchasing the book on the night.Your support for this is hugely appreciated!