TIM BAT

Prince of Fools - Profile

On graduating with a BA honours degree in Fine Art, I turned my hand to juggling and creative talent to performing. I first donned the Jester’s motley in the late seventies when performing with Incubus Theatre Company. Going solo in 1980, I continued to perform as a Court Jester in London at ‘Shakespeare’s Tavern’ by night and by day to perform street shows at Covent Garden.

Quickly established as a popular and accomplished entertainer, I was soon in demand in more prestigious surroundings, finding particular success in the burgeoning world of corporate entertainment at historic venues and theme events.

Working with various bands of Minstrels, I acted the part of the naïve young Fool with daft japes, tricks and nonsense, dressed in the traditional medieval jester motley, with cap and bells so familiar from historic literature and illustration.

Not quite so becoming of a man approaching middle age, by the mid-nineties I felt uncomfortable performing in the skimpy tunic and tights of a saucy medieval youth. The content of my act had also matured into a more dignified, subtle and sophisticated rendition of the jester’s art; still funny and entertaining but more Courtly Tudor Jester than errant Medieval Fool.

After considerable research into period costume, with expert advice and tailoring by specialist designer & costume maker Judith Darracott (responsible for the Elizabethan costumes in ‘Blackadder’), I commissioned a suit of apparel in an authentic early Elizabethan Court style. With a plumed period hat replacing the medieval cap & bells, my transformation into The Prince of Fools was complete.

Location: Dorney Court Roof Gardens, London

Whilst diversifying over the years with different acts and costumes (best known for the eccentric City Gent), working in all forms of entertainment, the Prince of Fools Court Jester has remained a favourite at ‘Medieval’ or ‘Tudor’ functions.

Footnote
‘Suit of Apparel’ quartered in red and black velvet, tailored by Judith Darracott comprising:
Doublet with small skirts, girdle, shoulder rolls and standing collar. Decorated with slashing and gold guards, with Elizabethan ruff and sleeve frills.
Hose (referring to upper breeches only, late 16th Century) with panes to match doublet, thigh length over stockings.
Cod piece, jewelled and discreet in the English style.
Spanish cloak with golden heraldic motif and guards.
Ankle boots or matching slippers with slashes.
Hat to match suit, with paned crown and feathers.
Although the cap and bells are anachronistic with the early Elizabethan look, they may still be worn for fun.

Back