Ching Lau Lauro | |
---|---|
Born | Possibly Lauro Cecconi 1806–1808 |
Died | Possibly 1892 or January 1840 Possibly Portsea, Hampshire or London |
Other names | Ching Lau Lauro Professor Ching |
Occupation | Magic (illusion) |
Years active | 1827–1839 |
Known for | (1) Possibly first in Europe to perform using limelight;[1][2] (2) First in Europe to perform aerial suspension illusion.[3][4] |
Ching Lau Lauro and Professor Ching were the stage names of a juggler and magician (1806?–1840; flourished 1827–1839) who performed outdoors and in theatres in London and the provinces. His real name is unknown; he was possibly Cornish and he was popularly known as Ching. He was the first magician in Europe to perform the aerial suspension illusion,[3][4] and possibly the first to use limelight,[1][2] and one of the earliest Western magicians to perform in Chinese costume.[3] In 1834 he played at The Theatre, Leeds.[5]