The Bottle Conjuror

Image of William Phillips as Harlequin in a representation of the Bottle Conjuror, English broadside dated 1748/9

The Bottle Conjuror was the stage name given to a hoax theatrical performer, advertised to appear at the Haymarket Theatre in England, on 16 January 1749. While on stage, the acrobat was to have placed his body inside an empty wine bottle, in full view of the audience. When he failed to appear for the widely-billed performance, the audience rioted and gutted the theatre.