Mrs Gumbo, the owner of the wondrously death-defying Mrs Gumbo’s Flying circus, was inspired by Pablo Fanque, the first black British circus owner. Born William Darby in Norwich, on 28th February 1796, he joined the circus as a child and was trained as a tight rope walker and became a renowned horse rider and trainer.
His circus was very popular in Victorian Britain for 30 years – a period that is considered the Golden Age of circus. He was much loved not only for his outstanding equestrian skills on his beloved mare, Beda, but also for his warmth and kind character. Unlike Pablo, Mrs Gumbo can’t ride a horse – she’s afraid of falling off – but she shares the same African heritage – and love of the circus.
