Madame Askew and The Grand Arbiter

Originally posted to our Patreon

I am honoured to introduce Montague Ragtail, master of ceremonies and hire wire cat extraordinaire in Captain Hargraves’ Carnival of Wonders. Though he arrived at the Carnival as a very young kitty, not much is known about Montague’s youth, but his career as an entertainer was legendary.

As with many young members of the Carnival, he started as all around assistant and helper. Errands, extra shifts watching for rats and mice, and the occasional wondering under the stands– to make certain that no one was lost or sneaking into the show!– were his early tasks. When he started to show a love for the audience, Captain Hargrave added dear Montague (Monty to his friends) to the clown act. A few months amongst the clowns, honed Monty’s time and stagecraft enough that he could pursue his real talent on the high wire.

Monty learned quickly from the incredible Signore Mystico and his Bambini. Mystico shared many of the family techniques with Monty and added Monty to a number of their acts. During an early performance, Monty pioneered the now famous “Kitty on the Wire Attempting to Trip the Grouchy Clown” routine much to the amusement and acclaim of the rest of the circus and audience. Before long, Monty was staring in his own act as a highwire performer, combining his comedic talents and his incredible balance.

After a harrowing fall left him with a permanent kink in his tale, Monty found a new talent as an assistant to Captain Hargraves. Warming up the crowds, acting as a barker, occasionally announcing the acts during matinee shows, Monty displayed a natural talent as a master of ceremonies. When the good Captain decided to retire from the limelight and to focus only on the management and business of the carnival, he promoted dear Monty to the principal Master of Ceremonies for the entire Carnival.

Monty continued performing until he was white in the whiskers and retired to a performers’ village outside of Vancouver. He lived many happy seasons regaling young kittens with his tales of adventure and derring-do.  He was even known to mentor the occasional young vagabond kitty who found their way to the Carnival. Many a famous performing cat owes their start to the teaching and support of dear Monty.

Montague has gone onto his forever haunt where he continues to ghost along the highest corners and nooks of the house, and when his new found family feels a little down spirited, Monty is there to bring a laugh or a cuddle with a few flicks of his crooked tail.

Tra loo tra lay for the Marvelous Montague!