They Have Crossed the Desert. They Have Mastered the Skies. They Have Terrible Jokes.
The Flying Carpets — Ruby Murray & Alfonso Mango | Victorian Aviators of Mystery | Comedy Walkabout Street Theatre for Hire
The Act
From across the desert sands, on a gentle tailwind of improbable confidence and magnificent facial hair, come Ruby Murray and Alfonso Mango — legendary storytellers, men of mystery, and self-declared masters of the ancient art of carpet-based aviation.
Their carpets are magical. Their tales are tall. Their jokes are, by any objective measure, absolutely terrible. Their seductions are inept in a way that suggests long practice and absolutely no improvement. They are, in every respect, the most colourful, the most romantic, and the most fundamentally unreliable people at your event.
Played in the grand tradition of Victorian gentlemen and their magnificent flying machines — part barnstorming aviator, part travelling showman, part complete liability — the Flying Carpets are a comedy walkabout act of the highest order. They demonstrate powers of flight and levitation. They enchant with their stories. They attempt, at every opportunity, to seduce the audience with the kind of charm that only works if you believe in it hard enough.
Your audience will believe. They always do.
The Craft
The flying carpet illusion is built on the same principle as the Bernie Clifton ostrich — deceptively simple, brilliantly executed, and infinitely more effective than it has any right to be. Up close, you will question what you are seeing. From a distance, you will be absolutely certain you have witnessed flight. The characters carry the comedy; the illusion carries the wonder; between the two, there is not a single member of your audience who will remain unmoved.
Ruby Murray and Alfonso Mango are fully developed, fully committed characters — every detail of their costume, their history and their absolutely unverifiable credentials has been laboured over. They arrive with stories. They leave with legends.
Perfect For
The Flying Carpets are a natural fit for Arabian Nights events, Bollywood and Moroccan themed occasions, fantasy and magical lands events, storybook and fairytale themes, children's literary events, pantomime, Christmas events, Victorian themed occasions, steampunk events, family festivals, outdoor arts programmes, shopping centre activations, corporate hospitality, private parties and any event that needs a comedy walkabout act that works on every level for every age. The act pairs beautifully with Prince Amir and Kitty the Camel for a fully immersive Arabian Nights event experience.
What People Say
"I hired the Flying Carpets to add a bit of buffoonery to our event — they were excellent! They were, without doubt, a big talking point with our clients. I would certainly recommend this duo to anyone looking for something a bit different."
- Adam Lambourne, Director, Farndon Boathouse
"Creature Encounters is extremely professional, creative and hugely talented. Very reliable, dependable, helpful and personable. Michael and Jamie are two of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of doing business with. Would highly recommend."
- Diane Norton,Ilford Business Improvement District
Booking Information
Performers: 2 (Ruby Murray & Alfonso Mango)
Format: Walkabout — roaming across your event site for 3 x 30 min or 2 x 45 min sets
Suitable for: Indoor and outdoor events — flat, accessible terrain preferred
Technical requirements: A clean, secure and private changing space within 30 metres of the performance area and free parking.
Please note: This act dislikes stairs. The carpets, however, are unaffected by altitude.
Package opportunity: Book alongside Prince Amir & Kitty the Camel for a fully themed Arabian Nights event — please enquire for details.
Available: UK-wide and internationally
Tech Spec: RAMS and PLI available on request.
To check availability or discuss your event, use the Enquire button. We cannot guarantee Ruby and Alfonso will arrive on time. We can guarantee they will arrive with a story about why.
International Excess Baggage Details
Minimum x 2 Performers required to travel
x 2 Suitcases @ 78 x 58 x 28cm
23kg + 23kg
TOTAL: 46kg - 2 pieces
Creature Encounters are designers, makers and performers of extraordinary puppet experiences, based in Birmingham. Established in 2004, we have delivered world-class animatronic street theatre across the UK and internationally, including Kuwait, Indonesia, Estonia, Singapore, Monaco, Russia and beyond.