EDIT IN PROGRESS - Apr 2026

 

Joe Boganny and family TIMELINE 2

1905 ~ 1943

Selected significant events, performances, career moves & travel in

"The Life of a Circus, Music-Hall, Theatre, Vauderville & Variety Family"

Researched & documented by James R. Bohun

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1905 Jan 7 - Joe Boganny -  Dancer & Performer in "Babes in the Wood" at The Crystal Palace Theatre, London, England. ref; The Era, BNA. 

 

1905 Jan 10 - Joe Boganny's Lunatic Bakers - A farewell visit prior to their tour of Australia, The Dudley Empire, West Midlands, England. ref; The Ere, BNA. 

 

1905 Jul 25 - Birth of Douglas Boganny Phipps son of Harriet Phipps at 5, Quick Road, Chiswick, West London, England. ref; Birth Certificate

 

1907 Jul 11 - Mr Boganny, who, at the head of his Troupe of "Lunatic Bakers," had the honour of appearing by Royal Command at Buckingham Palace on July 6, is the son of "Raslus" at one time famous as "The Flying Man." The idea of the "Lunatic Bakers" was suggested to Mr Boganny in a rather novel manner. Whilst performing at a Charity Concert in a lunatic asylam in the north, it transpires that a couple of the inmates were so struck with the performance of the Risley Troupe, that at the conclusion of the show they were discovered in the kitchen lying on their backs endeavouring to imitatesame by tossing in the air by means of their feet loaves of bread, cakes and dough, etc. It struck Mr Boganny that there was dough in the idea, hence the production of "The Lunatic Bakers."

In nationality, Mr Joe Boganny ia a mixture of Irish and Yiddish. On noticing his beaming blue eyes, one would come to the conclusion that he was a native of Hibernia, but the lower half of his face shows distinct traces of the Hebrew. In general appearance he looks over trained, but judging by the performance of himself and troupe recently at The Palace Theatre, this evidently is not so. ref; The Performer, London. BNA. 

 

1908 Oct 3 - Passenger Record - Joe Boganny, 29, acrobat, English, Hebrew, of 4, Glenshaw Mansions, Brixton Road, London sailing from Liverpool, England bound for New York, USA and The Knickbocker Hotel, New York aboard the RMS. Lusitania,  ref; UK Natioanl Archives.

 

1908 Dec 14 - Passenger Record - Joe Boganny arrives Plymouth, England from New York, USA aboard the Norddeutcher Lloyd vessel SS. Kaiser Wilhelm 11. ref;' UK National Archives. 

 

1909 Jul 24 - Passenger Record - Joe Boganny and Etty Boganny arrive New York, USA via Liverpool, England aboard the Cunard Line vessel RMS. Mauretania. ref; New York Passenger Lists. 

 

1909 Aug 23 - Nov 2 - American Tour, Joe Boganny & Troupe, 'The Star Attraction'. ref; 

 

1909 Sep 18 - Majestic Husic Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. First Time Here - THE ORIGINAL JOE BOGANNY TROUPE OF LUNATIC BAKERS  - Direct from an Extended Engagement at the Palace, London. ref: Toronto Saturday Night, BNA. 

 

1909 Oct 30 - The Boganny Troupe, 'Biggest Attraction in Boston' - The American Music Hall, Vaudeville, Boston, Mass, USA. ref; Cambridge Cronicle, Cambridge Public Library, BNA. 

 

1911 Apr 2 - UK National Census -  

 

1912 Jan 27 - LIBELLED IN ADVERTISEMENT - A quarrel in the music-hall world came before the London Sheriff's Court, when Joseph Boganny, proprietor of the "Lunatic Bakers" Company, sued Joshua Clifton, an acrobat, Messrs. Odhams Ltd, publishers, and the Variety Artists Federation, proprietors of the "Performer" newspaper, for libel contained in an advertisement in that paper. In the pictures Boganny, in a ragged condition, was represented cleaning Clifton's boots, and the following phrases were uttered by persons standing near:-

                   "How are the mighty fallen.

                    He can't clean our boots.

                    I used to know him; what a drop !

                    Honesty is always the best policy."

    Counsel said Boganny and Clifton were related (brothers) and stage rivals, and the matter arose over an action concerning copyright in a "turn." Plaintiff said in cross examination that he had received £15 from the federation and the publishers, though they denied that the caricature was libellous. The jury assessed the damaged at £50. ref; Bayswater Chronicle, London, BNA. 

 

1912 Oct 17 - Passenger Record - Joe Boganny, 38, Comedian, of 300, Kennington Park Road, London sails from Liverpool, England bound for New York, USA aboard the White Star Line vessel RMS. Cedric. ref; UK National Archives.

 

1913 Jan 25 - Passenger Record - Etty Boganny sails from Liverpool, England bound for New York, USA aboard the Cunard Line vessel RMS. Carmania. ref; UK National Archives. 

 

1913 Mar 8 - ACROSS THE HERRING POND By STARS and STRIPES - New York, Feb 26, 1913. Joseph Boganny, the leader of an acrobatic troupe, will have to return to England by order of the Government because he tried to smuggle a women into this virtuous land to whom it was alleged he was not married. ref; The Sporting Life, BNA.  

 

1913 Jul 9 - ACROBATS IN THE LAW COURTS.  Before Mr. Justice Atkin on Friday last, the well-known music-hall artiste, Joe Boganny (Clifton), head of the "Lunatic Bakers" Acrobatic Troupe, was defendant in a libel action. The plaintiffs were his son Samuel and his wife, Mrs Betsy Clifton. The words complained of - inserted in "The Performer" - were: "To all whom it may concern. I, Joe Boganny, have only one son, Cyril Boganny, who is working with me in my troupe." These words, which suggested the illegitimacy of Mr. Sam Clifton, reflected also on the chastity of his mother, Mrs. Clifton. The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiffs, awarding £200 to Mrs. Clifton and £100 to Samuel Clifton. Judgement, with costs, was given accordingly. ref; The Era, BNA.

 

1913 Jul 30 - MUSIC HALL ARTISTES WANTED - Wanted, Wanted, Wanted, Wanted, Tumblers and Posturers. For Long Engagement To Suitable People. Good Salaries Paid. All Communications to JOE BOGANNY, 300, Kennington Park Road, London. ref; The Era, BNA. 

 

1914 Apr - ACROBAT'S SALARY. "£100 a Week" Mentioned in County Court Case. Mr. Joe Boganny of Tulse Hill, S.W., the proprietor of the Boganny Troupe of acrobats, was the defendant in the Shoreditch County Court today in a judgement summons for the recovery of £9 5s 4d. The defendant was said to be "right at the top of the tree of his profession, as an acrobat, earning £80 to £100 a week." He had been served with the summons at the Hackney Empire, and given 1s for his expenses of attendance. The defendant asked that the hearing of the judgement be set aside on the ground of non-service, as he was not at the Empire during the period stated, but the bill of the Empire was produced to show he was, and Judge Cluer said it must proceed. The defendant then walked out of the court. Plaintiffs' representative: He gets between £80 and £100 a week, I am told. Judge Cluer: Humph ! You are told that. I will adjourn this for you to call someone to prove it. ref; The Star, London, BNA. 

 

1914 Sep 11 - Passenger Record - Joseph Clifton, 40, Actor, of 102, Tulse Hill, London, SW, sailing from Liverpool, England, bound for Quebec, Canada aboard the Alan Line vessel SS. Grampian. ref; National Archives

 

1915 Sep 4 - Passenger Record - Joseph Clifton, 43, Artiste, sailing from Liverpool, England bound for New York, USA aboard the American Line vessel SS. St. Louis. ref; Outward Passenger Lists, UK National Archives.

 

1915 Feb 6 - Passenger Record - Joe Boganny, Comedian, 40, of 102, Tulse Hill, Brixton sails from Liverpool, England bound for New York, USA aboard the Cunard Line vessel RMS. Lusitania. ref; UK National Archives. 

 

1915 Dec 6 - Passenger Recod - Joseph Clifton, Comedian, 43, sails from NEW York, USA bound for Liverpool, England aboard the American Line vessel SS. St Paul. ref: UK National Archives. 

 

1915 Dec 24 - THE "PEP DEMONS." The Bogannys certainly made their Majesties the King and Queen laugh, and it is unlikely that Liverpool Olympia Circus patrons will be able to resist the impulse to laughter which made the Royal party rock in their seats. The "Demon Bakers" have before now been "the hit of the bill at Olympia" and the new business with which that act has been liberally infused since its last visit lacks nothing of the snap and comicality that characterises every feat of this wonderful troupe. The Bogannys, who have come specially from America to renew acquaintance with Olympia audiences, are what Americans term a turn with "Pep." Smart acrobats, astonishing tumblers and clever comedians, the white clad squad, shepherded by the gigantic Joe Boganny, presents undoubtedly the finest act of its type in the world. ref; Runcorn Weekly News, BNA. 

 

1917 May 28 - AMUSEMENTS & EXHIBITIONS.  Away with Depression - The news of the day is good - most of it. The conditions are such that we are morally certain of winning the war. Despite the trees men may now see the wood. The matter of the moment is not how the war will end, but how long Germany will struggle againsy the inevitable. So do not be depressed but take your mental food and recreation at the Hippodrome as usual. GEORGE MOZART will help you to keep going, THE BOGANNYS will assist; whilst MISS AMY EVANS will please the music lovers. Don't waiot to be rationed as regards seats. Leave it until too late and you may get two out of four. Book now and you get all you want - and of the best. BRISTOL HIPPODROME. The Distinctive Theatre. Telephone 4342-3. ref; The Western Daily Press, Bristol, BNA. 

 

1918 May 1 - Messrs. Bogannys Ltd., proprietors of the well-known troupe of acrobatic "bakers," were awarded £140 damages in the King's Bench Division today against Mr. Chris Warner, manager of the Palladium, London, for wrongful detention of scenery and stage properties. After an engagement at the Palladium, London, their scenery and effects were detained, and in consequence the company were unable to appear at the Palladium, Southport, and were called upon to pay £70 damages for breaking the engagement. ref; The Star, London, BNA. 

 

1921 Jun 19 - UK National Census - Joe Boganny, Etty Boganny & Cyril Boganny at 102, Tulse Hill, London, SW2.

 

1921 Oct 8 - Passenger Record - Joseph C Boganny, 49, Artiste, of 102, Tulse Hill, London, SW, sailing from Southampton, England bound for New York aboard the Hamburg America Line vessel RMS. Berengaria. ref; New York Passenger Lists.

 

1922 Mar 18 - Passenger Record - Joe Boganny, 41, Producer of 102, Tulse Hill, London sails from New York, USA bound for Southampton, England aboard the White Star line vessel RMS. Olympic. ref; UK National Archives. 

 

1924 Apr 26 - Exeter, HIPPODROME. Next Weeks Show - Patrons of ther Hippodrome are assured of a rattling good entertainment next week, the managemementhaving spared no effort in providing a really attractive bill. The star turn consists of an entirely new show, "Fun in a Bakehouse," featuring Joe Boganny and his comedians, a company of clever acrobats who have just returned from a two-years tour of the United States, Australia, etc. ref; Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, BNA. 

 

1924 Nov 8 - BELFAST - AT THE HIPPODROME - The second attraction is a welcome one for those who can enjoy a good laugh, and that is the reappearance of Joe Boganny and his famous troupe of comedians. They will present their new sketch, "Schooldays",which is spoken of as being quite the best thing they have yet done. ref; Ireland's Saturday Night, BNA.

 

1925 Dec 5  - Passenger Record - Mr Joe Clifton Boganny, 53, Artiste of 102, Tulse Hill, London, SW sailing from Liverpool, England bound for New York, USA aboard the White Star Line vessel RMS. Baltic. ref; Outward Passenger Lists, National Archives. 

 

1925 Dec 7 - FAMOUS DWARFS ON WORLD TOUR. Sailing for New York in the White Star liner Baltic, on Saturday, were mermbers of

Joe Boganny Comedy Co., the Lunatic Bakers, who have just completed a twelve months tour of the Continent and are now on their way to the United States. The troupe is to spend forty weeks touring America under the Keith Albee Circuit, and will afterwards proceed to Honolulu and Australia. It consists of ten youths, three of them midgets, of whom the smallest is only two feet seven inches high. Mr. Joseph C. Boganny, the proprietor and founder who is travelling with the troupe, stated in an interview, that after the present tour, which would be practically round the world he intended to retire, having already served the variety profession for over 45 years. Mr. Boganny was born in Christian Street, Liverpool, Lancashire, England. ref; Liverpool Journal of Commerce, BNA. 

 

1926 May 28 - Passenger Record - Joseph Boganny, 54, of 102, Tulse Hill, London, First Class sailing from New York, USA, bound for Southampton via Cherbourg aboard the Unted States Line vessel SS. Leviathan. ref; UK Natioanl Archives. 

 

1927 Apr 20 - The Little Showmen - The midgets boxing match is the big feature of Mr. Boganny's little show and Mr. Boganny gave me a few details about the two little young men. The smaller, Joey is only three feet four inches high and weighs four stones. Eric, the taller, stands three feet nine inches and weighs close to five stones. Their strength is tremendous, however. Witness the way they carry Mr. Boganny, a 20 stoner, from the stage at the close. Mr. Boganny is proud, and rightly proud, of the fact that his show has been called to three Command Performances. One at Buckingham Palace, before King Edward and another at the first command show at the Palace, Shaftesbury Avenue. All of Mr. Boganny's boys are linguists. Mr. Boganny himself speaks seven tongues, and all the lads know German, Spanish, French, etc. "We have to," Mr. Boganny explained, "because we put these showson all over the world." The troupe leave for New York in August, but return to the Lyceum pantomime at Christmas. ref; Leicester Evening News, BNA. 

 

1931 Feb 21 - Footlight Flashes. Joe Boganny and His Thirty Atlantic Crossings. Another cosmopolitan is Joe Boganny, who has been making merry at the Empire this week with his "College Boys." He too knows the Continent as intimately as he does the Strand, and, in fact, he and his company conclude their present English engagements in Nottingham this week and go straight from here to Germany, to commence at Elberfeld another European tour.

Mr. Boganny is the son of the original Joe Boganny, who founded that well known act, the Lunatic Bakers, a knockabout comedy show that many people will remember.

Joe Boganny, junior, is another product of the circus, where his early training included the whole routine, from riding to aerial performances. In the meantime, he has had an experience of world travel such as few artistes could surpass. He has appeared in every Continental country and in America.

 

 ref; The Football Post, BNA.

 

1939 Sep 29 - UK National Census - 

 

1939 Nov 16  - SIX DWARFS CARRY ON FOR SEVEN - Six famous dwarfs are doing their best to appear like seven in Sheffield this week, and considering how little there is of a dwarf to begin with, the task is not easy. They were seven until last week, when one of them fell ill and had to be left behind in Exmouth while the remainder of the troupe came to Sheffield to open at the New Regent, Grimesthorpe in Joe Boganny's stage version of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Mr. Boganny has advertised and got into touch with the Employment Exchange, but his efforts to procure a substitute have so far failed. CALL FOR PANTO - Trained dwarfs are not to be had for the asking, of course, particularly at the opening of the pantomime season - a call which even the understudy in the troupe found unable to resist, leaving a bare minimum to carry on the show. Mr. Boganny who has had long years of experience in the training of dwarfs, told "The Star" that there were plenty of little men to be had, but not all of them were talented, and few had a flair for the stage. "They are easier to train while they are no more than 16 years of age, because the they are still nimble in body and mind. Afterwards they become more set and it is much more difficult to teach them, especially when the work involves singing, dancing and tumbling." FULL OF REGRET The oldest member of the present troupe is Pop. He is 52, and has been with Mr. Boganny 35 years, having appeared with him in three Royal Command Performances and toured America, Australia, Africa and Europe. The youngest is 16, and has been with Mr. Boganny since he was nine. Although the dwarf who is ill has been with the act for only a year, he was very grieved to be left behind, and his colleges are equally full of regret. "They are very clannish, and have a great affection for one another, being very concerned for each other's well being," Mr. Boganny said. "They usually lodge together, having their meals at the same table, and one of them acts as father, doing all the carving and serving out the meals." Meanwhile, Mr. Boganny is hoping that he may be able to get a substitute, if only to walk on, before he leaves Sheffield, so that the six may become seven again. He must be not more than four feet high. ref; Sheffield Evening Telegraph, BNA. 

 

1943 Jul 29 Sunday - Death of Joe Boganny aged 70 years, a Comedian of The Redcliffe Hotel, Fulham Road, London, SW10 at St. Mary Abbots Hospital, Kensington, London, England, cause of death (a) Cardiac failure and (b) Hypertension. ref; Death Certificate. 

 

1943 Aug 1 Sunday - Burial of Joe Boganny  - Registered as Joe Boganny otherwise Clifton at East Ham Jewish Cemetery, Newham, Greater London, England. ref; Find a Grave #55009716

 

1943 Aug 5 - VARIETY GOSSIP - Joe Boganny - We regret to report the death on July 25 (29th) of a well-known music hall figure, Joe Boganny, at the age of 70. The funeral took place on Sunday. He will be well remembered for his acrobatic scenas, "The Lunatic Bakers" and "College Boys" in which a plentyful knockabout fun was always the feature. ref; The Stage, London, England.