The Delvaines Royal Marionettes were the last major survivors of the grand Victorian touring marionette shows that once travelled widely across Britain. Although the name “Delvaines” was adopted in 1902, the troupe’s origins lay with brothers Daniel and Harry Fanning, who had long careers performing with leading companies such as the D’Arc, Bullock’s, Jewell’s and the Wildings. Striking out on their own in 1875, they later took over Bullock’s show after his death. The brothers eventually separated when Daniel married Anna Marie Matthews, whose own family had deep roots in circus performance. The name “Delvaines” came from her family’s stage name, Delevanti, used by a troupe of circus acrobats.
The Delvaines continued performing well into the mid‑20th century, giving their final show at Feldman’s Theatre in Blackpool in June 1955, the town that had long served as their base. By this time the company was led mainly by Jennie Delvaine, widow of Daniel’s son Edwin, and her daughter Maisie.
