Bear Incident File No. 008
OPEN THE FULL DOME, ROTUNDA & LOST SHOW SECTION
| Location | Former Rotunda amusement complex, Folkestone seafront |
|---|---|
| Approx. incident date | August bank holiday, circa 2001 |
| Barred status | NO RE-ENTRY TOKEN |
ROTUNDA PROGRAMME LEAFLETS
The Dome arcade belonged to the Rotunda amusement complex on Folkestone seafront. The Rotunda amusement park closed in 2003; the Dome arcade was demolished in 2007. The phrase “Live at the Dome” is retained as a Bear-file title, but no reliable source in the local research file establishes it as an official Folkestone venue name or programme. Surviving leisure leaflets do, however, place live folklore attractions within the wider Rotunda offer.
Record note: Folkestone Harbour & Seafront history; Rotunda research archive; Marine Pavilion / Onyx press file. “Live at the Dome” belongs to the Bear papers rather than the documented trading name.
The Bear entered the Dome with a microphone lead but no microphone. He interpreted the flashing machines as stage lighting and announced a matinee. The nearest available audience was attempting to change a pound coin.
His version of Widecombe Fair competed unsuccessfully with three amusement cabinets. He demanded one more encore from a change machine, which returned two ten-pence pieces and no opinion.
Refused further entry after arguing with a doorman that an amusement token was a backstage pass. He accepted the decision theatrically, then tried the exit.
A multiplex recording was said to show the Bear on nine screens at once, giving the false impression of a chorus. The tape was removed during clearance and is presumed lost with several thousand redemption tickets.
The Bear produced an expired Rio’s Ice Cream voucher and a Silver Spring Roller Cola docket as evidence of professional standing. Neither was an admission token. Both were retained for the lost show file.