LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS... welcome to the big top blog of Douglas McPherson, author of CIRCUS MANIA, the book described by Gerry Cottle as "A passionate and up-to-date look at the circus and its people."

Friday 13 September 2013

Bippo - Clown Prince of Gerry Cottle's big London shows






Gareth Ellis didn't just run away to join the circus - his parents did, too. Realising how much their son wanted to be a clown, his mum became the showman's secretary, his dad became a handyman and the trio moved into their holiday caravan to join Zippos circus.

Today better known to one and all as Bippo, Gareth is one of the stars of Gerry Cottle's new big top show, Wow!, which is celebrating Cottle's 50 years in the big top with a tour of London's parks from now until November 3. For details of venues click here.

Bippo is also one of the stars of Circus Mania - The Ultimate Book For Anyone Who Dreamed of Running Away with the Circus by Douglas McPherson, which the Mail on Sunday described as "A brilliant account of a vanishing art form." Buy it and read:

Bippo, right, and juggler Ben Coles
are presenting 50 acts in 100 minutes
in Gerry Cottle's new show, Wow!
- The extraordinary details of Bippo's early life.

- His account of putting up the big top and his everyday life in the circus.

- Bippo's guide to the centuries-old secret language of the circus.

- The secrets of how clowns choose the volunteers for their acts even before the audience has taken its seats.

All this plus the history of clowning, insider accounts of animal training, the story of the circus in Britain, America, Russia and China, and in-depth interviews with a host of colourful circus characters including Gerry Cottle himself.

Circus Mania - Clowns love it!
Buy Circus Mania direct from Peter Owen Publishing for the special offer price of just £10 including postage. Send cheques to:

Peter Owen Publishing
81 Ridge Road
London N8 9NP

Tel: 020 8350 1775

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