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Wizard Oil and Wonders: The Peculiar Legacy of Frank Weston, the Wizard Oil Prince

Ballarat Mechanics Institute

117-119 Sturt St,
Ballarat Central VIC 3350

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  • Sat 24 May

8pm–9pm

$15 per person

Frank Weston, the self-proclaimed Dr and Wizard Oil Prince was a charismatic American showman who captivated audiences across Australia and New Zealand from the 1860s to the 1880s. Known for his bold Yankee wit, Weston toured with his two-hour extravaganza of jokes, songs, and comic tales, weaving in relentless plugs for his “miracle” cures; Wizard Oil, Magic Pills, and Mexican Mustang Liniment.

Join historian Dr. David Waldron and magician Dr. Jo Clyne as they bring Weston’s curious world back to life in an electrifying fusion of history and illusion. With The Drongo and The Crow performing the original music from Weston’s travelling medicine show, this one-of-a-kind event will reveal the charms and deceptions behind the 19th-century craze for magical cures and quackery.

Content: Tales from Rat City

Accessibility Information

  • Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
  • Caters for people who use a wheelchair.

Please note: The accessibility information above is provided by the business operator. For more information, please contact the business directly.

Visitor Information Centres

Ballarat Town Hall
225 Sturt Street
Ballarat VIC 3350

Ballarat Botanical Gardens
401-405 Wendouree Parade
Lake Wendouree VIC 3350

Acknowledgement of Country

Across Victoria’s Midwest, we acknowledge that we travel across the ancient landscapes of many First Peoples communities. These lands have been nurtured and cared for over tens of thousands of years and we respect the work of Traditional Custodians for their ongoing care and protection.

We recognise the past injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country. As our knowledge grows, we hope that we can learn from their resilience and creativity that has guided them for over 60,000 years. As we invite people to visit and explore Victoria’s Midwest, we ask that alongside us, you also grow to respect the stories, living culture and connection to Country of the Ancestors and Elders of our First Peoples.


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