Friday, 7 June 2013

The Penny Dreadful Tales Of Wonder ebook! - It Lives!


It really is a fine example of literature..
Dear readers, observers and itinerant gin sops... it gives me great pleasure to announce the release of 'The Penny Dreadful Tales Of Wonder' ebook! Now available for Kindle at the pittance of £1:54.

In any language, and with all reasoning, this is a bargain for such a work. 7 short stories (with a brand new one never before posted on this site) coming in at around 30,000 words - with a light peppering of cartoons and poetry. A perfect summer read... if you care for silly steampunk themed Victoriana.. which, as is evident, is every soul worth their salt.

So, if you have an electronic slate 'Kindle' device - capable of electro-manipulation of characters, treat yourself (and your household pet) to 'The Penny Dreadful Tales Of Wonder' ebook!

Tuesday, 14 September 2010

Poetry annex

In a slight break from our traditional poetry master, Poet Laureate Bishop Manfred Collinwood, we have engaged the pen of a Mr Trevor Allcock, whos recent work 'All placid on the plateau of Sin - Volumes 1-5' has created quite the fuffle among our readers.

Today however, we take great pride in publishing a work that one can imagine as being one of the more personal musings of Mr Allcock, conerning as it does, lost love.

The eternal lake of loneliness (adjacent to the viaduct of our souls)

Oh crimson hue course through my vein,
How can it run when I call in vain.
With hand a’cuppeth, with trumpet, with horn
She hears no words, and left me, forlorn.

Where did she go? Where on earth could she be?
In mire or swamp, or coyly in tree?

Is she on a steamer boat, heading for the Nile?
Is she on a farmers cart, eating carrots by the mile?

Can she hear my plaintive cries, does she even care?
Did she find it creepy when I wanked off in her hair?
Oh fragrant wonder, oh Queen imbued by holy light,
Find my love girded stiffly now, and hold onto it tight.

I miss you more as each day passes,
I crave you more than pants crave asses,
Hold me tight and hold me forever,
Yours sincerely, all the best, Trevor.

Monday, 17 May 2010

Poetry annex


This time, Poet Laureate Bishop Manfred Collinwood tackles a subject matter he feels very deeply about. Upon the recent demise of Mister Charles Darwin, the Bishop wished to  compose a small piece as way of a tribute to his life and works.


Burn Darwin, Burn

Of mice and men and hairy monkeys,
Damn that Darwin and his heathen flunkies!
He proffers idea we’re bourn of ape man,
But fathom his evidence no good Briton can!

Evolution flim-flam and genetic tom-buggery!
He may well as argue we developed from shrubbery!
From heron, mosquitoes, from ocelot forsooth!
‘Tis the demon of jealously that curdles the truth!

From chicken and crab, great bison and duck,
He slanders the clergy and smears the good book!
Oh please Mr Darwin, you do far less than flatter us,
If you hope we believe we're all spawned from the platypus!

May you burn in the pits for the sins you accrue,
It’s you Sir, not monkeys, that belong in the zoo!

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.

Tuesday, 11 May 2010

At the theatre this coming week ending...



Wednesday, 21 April 2010

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Tuesday, 13 April 2010

At the theatre this coming week ending...




Wednesday, 24 March 2010

Poetry annex


Poet Laureate Bishop Manfred Collinwood lets fly like bird on wing with his recent poem dealing with the noblest of our avian bedfellows, the Swan. This poem was recently read at the 'East Riding Women against Chimp Study Society' and was greeted with barely contained indifference all round.

A treatise on the noble Swan

Gliding like be-feathered yacht ‘cross the silk of the river,
Your grace and such elegance bring forth such a shiver.
Your sleek lines, your poise, your silhouette so serene,
‘Tis shame such fine fare can only be ate by the Queen.

But how does she consume thee, oh schooner so sublime?
Like a feathery margarita with salt and with lime?

Are you butchered and hung, fried lightly with capers?
Are you stuffed with such vigour it gives women the vapours?

Are you tossed and reformed, garnished heavy with cumin?
‘Tis the uncertainty of not-knowing that keeps me so fumin’

Are you plucked and slit open, your gizzards torn free,
Are you spatchcocked and seasoned set to cook on gas mark 3?

Are you riddled with cloves and baked long in sweet honey?
Are you basted with fine butters so your juices stay runny?

Are you marinated in wines formed from the finest of stock?
Are you roasted and choked on like any old cock?

Oh how does she eat you, maestro of birds marine?
‘Tis none of our business! God save the Queen!

Thursday, 18 March 2010

At the theatre this coming week ending...





Tuesday, 16 March 2010

Steam-age singles

We introduce a new feature to this site today with the inclusion of several readers courting profiles. These details are submitted by these good people in order that they may introduce themselves to potential suitors and begin the long process of courtship. We for our part shall be the virtual chaperone. Ensuring no contact of the knees, needless eye flutterings or passing of lewd notes shall be undertaken. Should you wish to pass a missive to any of the ladies and gentlemen below, please write to your Member of Parliament seeking the ‘Commencement of opposite gender communication’ paperwork, which when processed by your guardian and or parent, solicitor and local clergyman can be forwarded to ourselves. Every third document received will be indiscriminately burned before opening in order to preserve some mystery to the proceedings.

Lady Florence Xerox
About myself: I am a timid creature, with no real sense of depth perception or smell. I have twice been engaged to the same Count from Bavaria and both times retreated from such commitments due to his insistence on beating a kettle drum during dinner. Be warned. I am of slim build, with brown hair and mousey eyes.

Looking for in a gentleman: Nice fingers that join to the hand. Must be of independent means and of good family stock. Size is irrelevant but must make me feel as if a goods train has mistaken me for a station during intimacy. No quakers.

Dowry: Dorset.

Doctor Rasputin Broom
About myself: I take no nonsense from the female of the species and believe that a good wife should be a whore in the kitchen, a cook in the bedroom, a chicken in a basket and a Turner in a Hooch. I seek only something to sire me children for the continuation of my genetic nose-bleeds which have thrilled the Princes of Europe.

Looking for in a lady: Breath in it’s lungs and fertility in it’s belly. I already have a dog, so lack of fondness to me, or downright hatred, is of no concern.

Dowry: Less than the cost of shipping you to me from Dover.


Martin Martindale, Esq.

About myself: I am currently a book maker in Hartford, but some day wish to make pamphlets in Harrogate. I am warm, calm under pressure and sometimes have even been known to weep gently at moving tapestries. I am in touch with my feminine side in that I own some buttons, a shoe and some soap.

Looking for in a lady: I wish my wife to be a good hearty woman, with a good soul, a cheery smile and enormous juggs.

Dowry: I have some silver plated teeth, will that do?


Rolanda Twick-morestyle
About myself: I have campaigned fervently for the continuation of the slave trade, yet believe in emancipation for women. I am deeply conflicted and sometimes argue with myself to such degrees I batter my head against a pillar in my garden with such ferocity I have blacked out and woken up in a field where the cows are all smaller than they should be.

Looking for in a gentleman: About twelve times more body hair than I and a propensity for rickets is a must. I have large hips and a habit of running about on my hands and knees, I must be able to run between the knees of any potential suitor with ease.

Dowry: Some sparrows will do.


Edward Force III
About myself: I am a lover of life and often indulge my passion for wildlife by tending to injured badgers or fucking a piglet. I can be found most days strolling on my 50 acre estate while reciting poetry and kicking orphans. I am an enigma. Can you solve me?

Looking for in a lady: Trust. Passion. Virtue. Duty. Family. These are just some of the words she must be able to spell. Other than that a cracking pair of thighs and I’m done old boy…

Dowry: I will give you the moon. The star light. (I will not actually give you the moon or star light.)

Thursday, 11 March 2010

At the theatre this coming week ending...




Monday, 8 March 2010

Poetry annex

Poet Laureate Bishop Manfred Collinwood continues his poetry annex with his stirring ode to the Battle of Osstermonger. Wherein two companies of the Queen's Hussars defeated a hospital full of Dutch Nuns.


The Battle of Osstermonger
Come crack of musket and zip of cannon,
‘Tis time to fight good men of mammon!
For God, for Country, for Queen, forsooth!
The eye of time snorts ‘battle for truth!’

Along the line, no faint heart beat-ed,
No man-o-war dare remained seated!
Crimson warriors, all to a man!
The rabble opposing, a tremulous clan.

‘Bang’ went the cannon, ‘crack’ went the whip,
‘Zing’ went the musket and shatter went the hip.
‘Blart’ screamed the rider, ‘Ba-doing’ went the gun,
The British standard still erect, at the setting of the sun!

Hoorah went the General, Hussar called the men,
Set the rabble on it’s feet and we’ll have it all again!
‘Mercy’ screamed the prisoners, ‘No’ begged the cripples,
But the cannon cracked and mercy lacked as they blew away their nipples.

Slaughter called the statesmen, genocide the writers shouted,
But sour grapes is the last recourse of an enemy so routed.
‘Zing’ went the medals, ‘hip-hip’ the screaming crowd,
Another British victory, for which we are so proud!

God save the Queen!

Friday, 5 March 2010

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Thursday, 4 March 2010

At the theatre this coming week ending...




Wednesday, 3 March 2010

Poetry annex



Poet Laureate Bishop Manfred Collinwood begins our poetry annex with a hearfelt ode to the great British favourite, Beef.


'Ode to Beef'
or, 'To the Cow, the crown.' By Bishop Manfred Collinwood. 1886.

Oh succulent loin, so braised, so beautiful.
You bless our plate with your cutlets so chewable.

Your sweet flesh divine for the nourishment of all,
You answer our hunger, our stomachs clarion call.

Be you in bap, in sauce, in stew or in batter,
You plump up our bellys and let our ankles get fatter.

Oh beef, oh beef, I ne’er tire of your name!
Please cut me a slice and let gravey doth rain!

Tuesday, 2 March 2010

A Victorian picto-report: Sir Maximillian Gadaday's recent exploration of the Niger basin. Part 1


The following images are used courtesy of Sir Maximillian Gadadays estate, and are taken from his recent Niger basin exploration from June 1883 - October 1883.

The text is kindly reproduced from the notes and slides used in his recent talk at the Wollington Womens Institute. Some images have been ommitted due to the daring nakedness featured within this primitive jungle. But, as Sir Gadaday remarked, 'One had to get starkers before johnny-native or he wouldn't let one start filming...'


Sir Gadady (centre) poses with his bat-man Mr Cracknell (left) and expedition pastry chef, Maurice St Germaine. Just out of frame - the 80 foot long rubber dirigible, 'The afront to God'.

This charming native boy, Mnengway, was sadly the first to succumb to the giant puffer leechs to be found on the muddy rises surrounding the Niger. Armed only with his spear and shield he fought several of these foul beasts but was overwhelmed when they vented their ear-sacks and broiled his shins.

To the uninitiated this may look like nothing more than a screen of native trees. In fact, and this may surprise you, it is in fact a screen of native fern.

Further into the jungle we found this group of itinerate quantity surveyors. Largely ferral now they seemed harmless enough, although one did try and break into our biscuit box, so we shot him.

I don't claim to have any understanding as to what this is. But it is recorded here none the less.

Taking time at the Nigers source. Mr Cracknell rests near the banks while taking topographical surveys of the rivers tributaries. Marvelling at the winding shape Mr Cracknell would later describe it as 'a cock-crooked French tickler kind of shape!' to no-ones amusement.



Thursday, 25 February 2010

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Issue 2 released to the groaning populous!



Greetings my good ladies and gentlemen,

It is with a due sense of elation and tumescence that I bring to you today the latest issue of 'The Penny Dreadful Tale of wonder!' This month we delve into the complex and criminal, the murderous and the maniacal, the heinous and the horrible world of violent death detection! Follow Detective Inspector Mott as he unravels that what with which is unravelable! 'The gouging phantasm of Smithyfield Gap!'

Thrill - as the tale weaves the wonders of the scientific age!

Gasp - at the mind machinations of Londons finest Policemen!

Gush - as the crimes unfold in blood curdling, hair trimming detail!


No responsibility shall be taken by the author and or publication for vapours, tinglings or spasms betwixt the ears upon reading this issue.


Read on if you dare!


Tuesday, 23 February 2010

What be this voodoo?



Hello, please, sit down and loosen your knees.

You may be wondering what the heck-fire and damnation this place is all about? What is ‘The Penny Dreadful tale of wonder’? And what do girls look like when they’ve got their pants off? Well, let me answer the first two (I’ve never been able to get a ladies pants off, so can’t answer the third point).

‘The Penny Dreadful tales of wonder’ are a surreal series of fictional stories set in the era of Victorian Britain. They take a skewed look at the inhabitants of this time and feature flights-of-fancies about explorers, captains of industry and captains of boats, musical entertainers, detectives, stern governesses, black magic and the macabre.

These twisted boys-own adventures are written, produced and distributed by myself – and are purely for entertainment value. By that I mean they are free, and a simple, yet hopefully entertaining, distraction in this world of tax laws, software patches and soar-away Sun readers offers to Disneyland Paris.

The idea is these issues will be distributed in hard-copy form as 4/6 page pamphlets, as the original Penny Dreadfuls would have been, within communial areas such as coffee bars, art galleries, rectal thermometer symposiums, and where ever eager minded people gather. If you run/own/have naked pictures of the manager of such an establishment, please drop me a line for some samples. Plain text version are available on the issue posts.. look, there's some on the left...

Lots more guff will be spunked up on this Blog over time in keeping with the Victorian theme, so please sit back, have a frappacino, and enjoy.



Tuesday, 1 September 2009

Issue 1 released to the general populous!



Greetings my good ladies and gentlemen,

It is with great pride and a sense of brimming elation that I present to you our very 1st issue: 'A Penny Dreadful tale of wonder - The ever-expanding egg of Captain Montgomery Ignatious Hillier the 3rd!'

This is a tale of a brave Navy Captain driven to the black dog of fear and the mauve marmoset of violence as he and his crew are cursed by an old hag.

Thrill - as the story weaves towards the occult, voodoo and the amazing!

Gasp - as the bravery and character of a British military man is tested to the fullest!

Vomit - as the full horror of the insideous Gypsy curse untangles it's sickening tallons and draws tight around the Captain and crew!


No responsibility shall be taken by the author and or publication for shivers, sensations or tingling betwixt the thighs upon reading this issue.

Read on if you dare!