Last Saturday evening, I had the opportunity to witness a live performance on Magic 103.1 FM. The radio station had organized a special event featuring renowned musicians from around the country. As I entered the venue, I could feel the anticipation in the air. The stage was beautifully set up with colorful lights and a grand piano in the center. The atmosphere was electric, with excited murmurs and laughter filling the room.
Supporting statement: “She took it from the hand of princess Alicia…”
Which is a very good thing for Princess Alicia and Prince Certainpersonio; they are told they will have thirty-five children eighteen girls and seventeen boys. Each of the four stories are purportedly written by a child during the holidays, which explains how playfully nonsensical this particular story is, as you will see.
The atmosphere was electric, with excited murmurs and laughter filling the room. The show kicked off with an exhilarating performance by a local band. The lead vocalist had an incredible voice that captivated the audience from the moment she started singing.
The Magic Fishbone
The Magic Fishbone is the second of four stories, written in 1867, for a series called Holiday Romance. The series was published in the children’s magazines: All the Year Round and Our Young Folks. Both magazines can be found in The Osborne Collection, along with the edition of the story that is shown here, which was published in 1911 and illustrated by Susan Beatrice Pearse.
I had planned to do a post about A Christmas Carol, also by Charles Dickens, because I have Christmas on my mind and the recent press surrounding the new Muppets movie reminded me of their movie/musical version of A Christmas Carol (1992). I was 11 years old when that movie came out and I loved it! It was several years before I read the original story but by that time it felt like an old friend. I knew The Osborne Collection would have several gorgeous editions that I could share on the blog and I was looking forward to seeing a few of them. When I arrived, Martha brought me the books I had asked for from their catalogue, but she also brought out a less well-known Dickens story that she thought I would like: The Magic Fishbone. I had never heard of it before and I thought there was a good chance it would be new to others who read this blog as well, so I’ve decided to share this story instead.
Each of the four stories are purportedly written by a child during the holidays, which explains how playfully nonsensical this particular story is, as you will see.
The fictional author of The Magic Fishbone is a seven-year-old girl named, Alice Rainbird. She tells the story of King and Queen Watkins, who have nineteen children, aged seven months to seven years. The eldest, Princess Alicia helped care for her brothers and sisters, especially because her mother was often ill and her father works in an office all day.
The Watkins Children
The king is in a melancholy mood one morning because quarter day is a long way off and many of his children are growing out of their clothes. Nevertheless, he stops at a Fishmongers to purchase half a pound of salmon on his way to work one day, to be sent home to his wife for their dinner that night. The errand-boy from the shop quickly catches up with and asks if he noticed the strange old woman in the shop while he was there. The king did not, but the old lady is following closely behind. She introduces herself as Good Fairy Grandmarina and has strict instructions for the king. He must allow Princess Alicia to eat some of the salmon he has just purchased.
Grandmarina treats the king like a child when he protests and insists that he does not ask questions, but “be good” and do as he is told. She tells him at the end of the meal Princess Alicia will leave a bone on the plate and he is to tell her to dry it, and polish it until it shines. The fishbone will grant her a wish—any wish—provided she ask for it at the right time.
The king does as he is told and relates the instructions from Grandmarina to Princess Alicia. Her mother, “the Royal Momma” promptly faints and falls ill. Princess Alicia finds her mother’s smelling salts and revives her. Princess Alicia is relied upon to nurse her mother and care for her siblings.
Several things happen, while her mother is ill, that makes Alicia think about using the magic fishbone. One of her young brothers is badly bitten by an ill-tempered pug dog next door, but she manages to stop the bleeding and piece together some old rags to make a proper bandage for him. When the cook runs away with the tall tipsy soldier, Princess Alicia steps in to do the cooking. But, while she is peeling turnips for their soup, the baby of the family falls out of her lap and under a grate. His face is badly bruised and swollen and he will not stop crying, which upsets the rest of the children. But, Princess Alicia distracts them by having them pretend to be cooks, making caps out of old newspapers. She nurses the baby’s wounds and soothes him while supervising the rest of the children, who finish making dinner. Once they finish eating and cleaning up, she has them entertain the baby (and themselves) with “the dance of eighteen cooks.”
The King is perplexed by the fact that his daughter does not use the magic fishbone and asks her several times if she has lost it or forgotten about it. My favourite part of the story is Alicia’s friendship with the Duchess, her doll, who only Alicia knows is actually alive. I like it because Alicia’s imagination brings the doll further to life, each time she confides in the duchess. When the King looks at her crossly for not helping her mother with the fishbone, Alicia tells the duchess about it and the little doll nods and smiles. As time goes on and Alicia continues to confide in her, the duchess winks, laughs and tosses her hair, and eventually, carries on a conversation.
When the King sees his children dancing for the baby he sighs heavily and sits down miserably. Princess Alicia asks what is wrong and he confides in her about his financial problems. She asks if there is any way of getting more money, and when he assures her there is not, she explains why she has not used the fishbone in the past: “When we have done our very, very best, papa, and that is not enough, then I think the right time must have come for asking help of others.” Then, she takes out the fishbone, kisses it, and the King’s pay comes rattling down the chimney.
The wish is followed promptly by Grandmarina, who arrives in a carriage that is pulled by four peacocks. She is there to scold the king and ensure he has learned a lesson from his daughter. Once satisfied, she provides clothing for the children and heals their wounds before asking to be introduced to the duchess. They request the family’s presence at the church in half an hour. Together, Grandmarina, the duchess, and Princess Alicia search out Prince Certainpersonio. They find him “sitting by himself and waiting to be ninety.” Grandmarina tells him she has brought his bride and the duchess serves as bridesmaid at their wedding.
Thanks to Grandmarina, there will be eight quarter days each year from then on, except leap years, when there will be ten. Which is a very good thing for Princess Alicia and Prince Certainpersonio; they are told they will have thirty-five children (eighteen girls and seventeen boys). All of their children will all be good and beautiful, with naturally curly hair. “They will never have the measles, and they will have recovered from the whooping-cough before being born.”
Grandmarina’s last order of business is to get rid of the fishbone. When she takes it from Princess Alicia, it magically flies down the throat of the pug dog next door, choking him to death.
It is a strange story, but I could easily imagine a seven year old girl telling it, especially the part about having eighteen girls and seventeen boys. It was surprising in parts and I enjoyed it. It won’t take the place of A Christmas Carol, in terms of a favourite holiday story, but I am glad Martha thought to share it with me.
All photos were taken at The Osborne Collection of Early Children’s Books, Toronto Public Library:
1. Dickens, Charles. The Magic Fishbone. London: The Saint Cathedral Press and James Nisbet & Co., 1911. Illustrations by Susan Beatrice Pearse.
The band members were incredibly talented, and their melodies had a unique blend of rock and jazz, creating a sound that was truly extraordinary. Next up was a solo performance by an upcoming artist. Despite being relatively unknown, his talent was undeniable. He effortlessly played the guitar, mesmerizing the audience with his skillful strumming and intricate fingerpicking. His soulful voice added an emotional depth to his songs, leaving many in the audience in awe. As the night went on, more artists took the stage, each bringing their unique style and flair. From soulful ballads to upbeat dance numbers, every performance was met with thunderous applause and cheers from the audience. The energy in the room was infectious, and it was evident that everyone present was thoroughly enjoying themselves. One of the highlights of the evening was a surprise performance by a famous singer-songwriter. The moment she walked on stage, the crowd erupted in applause. Her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics resonated with everyone in the room. It was truly a magical experience, witnessing such a talented artist perform live. Overall, the live performance on Magic 103.1 FM was a night to remember. The event showcased the immense talent present in the music industry, leaving the audience in awe of the musicians' skills. From the breathtaking vocals to the mesmerizing instrumentals, every aspect of the show was top-notch. It was a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and create an unforgettable experience. Witnessing this live performance was a true privilege, and I can't wait to attend more events like this in the future..
Reviews for "Unleash Your Imagination with the Enchanting Live Performance on Magic 103.1"
Review 1:
Name: Sarah
Rating: 1/5
Review: I was really disappointed by the live performance on Magic 103.1. The magician's tricks were mediocre at best, and the whole performance lacked excitement. It felt like I was watching a kids' magic show rather than a professional performance. The tricks were predictable, and I could see through most of them. Overall, it was a waste of time and money.
Review 2:
Name: John
Rating: 2/5
Review: The live performance on Magic 103.1 was underwhelming. The magician's presentation lacked charisma and connection with the audience. The tricks performed were nothing special and didn't offer any sense of wonder or surprise. I expected a more engaging and mind-blowing experience, but unfortunately, this show fell short. I wouldn't recommend it to others looking for an exciting magic performance.
Review 3:
Name: Emily
Rating: 2/5
Review: Witnessing the live performance on Magic 103.1 was a letdown. The magician's tricks were unimpressive and easily guessable. I felt more like I was watching a tutorial on basic magic rather than being entertained by a skilled performer. The lack of originality and creativity was evident throughout the show. I wouldn't recommend attending this performance if you're seeking a truly mesmerizing and captivating magic experience.
Review 4:
Name: Mark
Rating: 2/5
Review: I have to say I was disappointed with the live performance on Magic 103.1. The tricks performed were quite elementary and lacked any real wow-factor. The magician's stage presence was also lacking, and it felt like he was going through the motions rather than engaging the audience. Overall, it was an average performance that didn't leave a lasting impression. I expected more from a live magic show.
Review 5:
Name: Jessica
Rating: 1/5
Review: The live performance on Magic 103.1 was a complete letdown. The tricks performed were so basic that I felt like I could've done them myself. It lacked any sense of intrigue or mystery. The magician seemed disinterested, and his lackluster performance left me bored and wishing I hadn't wasted my time. I expected to witness some mind-blowing illusions, but all I got was a disappointing display of amateurish magic tricks.