For more than two decades, no visit to Blackpool Tower Circus has felt complete without the antics of Mooky and Mr Boo. The much-loved clowning duo have become synonymous with one of Blackpool’s most famous attractions, entertaining millions of visitors while carrying forward a circus tradition that stretches back to the opening of the Tower Circus in 1894. At the heart of the partnership is Mooky, the stage name of Laci Endresz Jr., a performer born into one of Europe’s oldest circus families. Circus life has been part of the Endresz family for generations, and Laci first stepped into the ring at the age of just four. Growing up among performers, he spent much of his childhood learning juggling, comedy and circus skills before eventually following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
‘Mooky’ the Clown aduring the Tower circus performance.
Mooky and Mr Boo promotional graphics.
The name “Mooky” itself is a family inheritance. It was first adopted by Laci’s grandfather in Hungary during the 1940s before passing to his father, Laci Endresz Sr., who became director of the Blackpool Tower Circus in 1992. When Laci Jr. took over the role, he continued the family tradition and officially became the circus’s resident head clown in 1999. Alongside him is his younger brother Tom Endresz, known to audiences as Mr Boo. Introduced as a permanent character in 2008, Mr Boo plays the perfect foil to Mooky’s mischievous personality. While Mooky creates chaos, confusion and comic mayhem, Mr Boo is usually left attempting to restore order, only to find himself caught up in the madness. Their chemistry has become one of the defining features of the modern Blackpool Tower Circus.
The partnership follows a classic circus formula dating back centuries. One clown acts as the troublemaker while the other serves as the exasperated authority figure. The result is a style of comedy that appeals equally to children and adults, making Mooky and Mr Boo among the most recognisable entertainers on the Fylde Coast. Their popularity has seen generations of families return year after year. Many visitors who watched Mooky as children now bring their own children and grandchildren to experience the same blend of slapstick humour, audience participation and visual comedy. In many ways, the duo have become as much a part of Blackpool’s identity as the Tower itself.
Blackpool, Lancashire, UK, 14th May 2014. MOOKY (The resident Clown) at one of the UKs most iconic attractions, The Blackpool Tower, a tourist attraction in Blackpool, Lancashire in England was opened to the public on 14 May 1894, turned a staggering 120 years old this year. It rises to 158 metres (518 feet) and is a Grade I listed building. When The Blackpool Tower opened in 1894 tickets were just 6p per person! So as part of this 120th Birthday celebrations Eye tickets were sold for JUST 6p. Credit: Conrad Elias/Alamy Live News
However, their role extends far beyond what audiences see in the ring. Both brothers are heavily involved in the production and operation of the annual circus season. Mr Boo serves as ringmaster and oversees aspects of the circus’s technical operation, including aerial rigging and performer safety. Mooky acts as creative director, stage manager, producer and writer, helping to design many of the routines, props and comedic sequences that appear each year. Together they help select and coordinate the international acts that appear alongside them, ensuring the Blackpool Tower Circus maintains its reputation as one of the world’s premier circus venues. Their work behind the scenes is every bit as important as their performances in front of audiences.
In 2026, Mooky’s contribution to entertainment received national recognition when Laci Endresz was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to entertainment. The honour recognised more than three decades of dedication to circus performance and his role in bringing joy to millions of visitors to Blackpool. The award marked a significant milestone not only for Mooky personally but also for the Blackpool Tower Circus itself. Circus performers rarely receive recognition within the national honours system, making the award a fitting tribute to one of the town’s most beloved entertainers.
Since becoming resident clown in 1999, Mooky has appeared in every season of the Blackpool Tower Circus, performing hundreds of shows each year. His ability to connect with audiences of all ages has made him one of the longest-serving and most recognisable performers in Blackpool’s modern entertainment history. The Blackpool Tower Circus itself holds a unique place in the world of entertainment. It is the oldest permanent circus arena still operating in its original home anywhere in the world. Through Mooky and Mr Boo, that remarkable legacy continues to thrive. Just as previous generations laughed at legendary circus stars such as Charlie Cairoli, today’s audiences create memories with the modern clowning duo who have become the face of the circus for the twenty-first century.
For many visitors, Mooky and Mr Boo are not simply part of the show—they are the show. Their blend of traditional clowning, modern comedy and genuine warmth has ensured that Blackpool Tower Circus remains one of the resort’s most enduring and cherished attractions. With a British Empire Medal now recognising Mooky’s contribution to entertainment, and with Mr Boo continuing to delight audiences alongside him, the brothers have secured their place among the great names of Blackpool’s entertainment history.
‘Mooky’ the Clown applying make-up before the Tower circus performance.
