tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60455991971674321832024-03-17T13:35:51.607-07:00Circus ManiaThe Ultimate Book for Anyone who Dreamed of Running Away With The Circus. "A brilliant account of a vanishing art form."
- Mail on SundayDouglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.comBlogger529125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-70746701788890174892024-03-17T13:35:00.000-07:002024-03-17T13:35:20.327-07:00Daring Dames Festival - Celebrating women in the circus<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnticZqNqjQC1hvfyBBSJynLXl2W2R1f12hZsNitOw_3VKquOi0Nw2mhCLZPFgHNR3SJGLLGgtuIwK-uLjRzfr3BsQBewkW-t7oAHgDnDKZThzDPGZy0LmR9xbjfspN2VSb2F7G_Q00K_DbO0fwqF9VplahpiasSejNYW4m1lhVk0zuhpAzw04BffPZBG/s640/Strongwoman.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnticZqNqjQC1hvfyBBSJynLXl2W2R1f12hZsNitOw_3VKquOi0Nw2mhCLZPFgHNR3SJGLLGgtuIwK-uLjRzfr3BsQBewkW-t7oAHgDnDKZThzDPGZy0LmR9xbjfspN2VSb2F7G_Q00K_DbO0fwqF9VplahpiasSejNYW4m1lhVk0zuhpAzw04BffPZBG/w449-h300/Strongwoman.jpeg" width="449" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Women have been part of the circus since it was invented by <b>Philip Astley</b> more than 250 years ago. In fact, perhaps we should say invented by Philip and his wife Patty, who was undoubtedly a big part of the enterprise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Patty</b> played a drum and rode a horse in the first circus ring - with her hands surrounded by a swarm of bees!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The circus was <b>diverse</b> and <b>inclusive</b> centuries before those words came into modern use.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"There has always been a space in the circus where women can be physical," says <b>strong-woman Aoife Raleigh </b>(pictured above). "In Victorian times, women weren’t allowed to show much skin, but if you went to a circus, you would see a trapeze artist with her arms and legs on show. There was a great liberation in the circus."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Raleigh is part of a strong-woman tradition that stretches back to Victorian performers such as <b>Miriam Kate Williams</b>, better known as <b>Vulcana</b>, who flexed her muscles in <b>19th century music halls</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And yet there are certain circus disciplines such as <b>aerial work</b> where women are a familiar sight, and others, such as <b>clowning</b>, where they are a rarity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3WA-5yoW52_Ktf5kcxMCElYfHGkCvvEbmkerAVplYs04OngmqCy18HmS1tBstJSkySj0_NPoO4OaynK3Tb1PenTiIZY0xwawxdY2N0J1U9ERvZzYYgTIx4cFNTNpVxk16D5NjK0MrvcCfxduS-JZDlPuAv-WxRDPB26rxE93UgjiOaKqvWIWL0LeQNLu/s256/Dea.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="231" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3WA-5yoW52_Ktf5kcxMCElYfHGkCvvEbmkerAVplYs04OngmqCy18HmS1tBstJSkySj0_NPoO4OaynK3Tb1PenTiIZY0xwawxdY2N0J1U9ERvZzYYgTIx4cFNTNpVxk16D5NjK0MrvcCfxduS-JZDlPuAv-WxRDPB26rxE93UgjiOaKqvWIWL0LeQNLu/w116-h129/Dea.jpeg" width="116" /></a></div><br />"You hardly ever see a woman doing <b>Chinese pole</b>," says <b>Dea Birkett </b>(pictured left).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Birkett is the organiser of <b>Daring Dames</b> - <b>Europe's only all-female circus festival</b> - which aims to celebrate not only the role of women in the circus generally, but to put the spotlight on a new generation of women stepping into more traditionally male-dominated areas of the business.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Even juggling is 80 - 90% men," says Birkett. "Daring Dames has no women standing decoratively, passing the male juggler his clubs."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are reasons why women gravitate to certain circus skills.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"There are things that female bodies are better at," says Raleigh. "They’re more flexible and lighter and smaller. So they make better flyers."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But why would there historically have been very few female clowns?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Mainly I would attribute this to the lack of freedom for women in our society," says <b>Francesca Martello</b>, one of the clowns appearing at Daring Dames. "Let's not forget we weren't allowed to vote until last century.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Freedom of expression and challenging the status quo are very important characteristics of clowning, and that really doesn't go together with the idea that society needed women to portray."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The free-to-attend festival runs from <b>24 - 26 May</b> and takes over the whole of <b>Achill Island</b>, off the coast of County Mayo in <b>Ireland</b>, with indoor and outdoor, day and evening performances in a variety of venues, including a trapeze rig set up beside the ocean.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While the first two days are geared to public performances, the third day is more industry facing, with a series of talks and discussions on issues affecting female circus artists.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> "When women performers get together, there are things particular to them that they discuss," says Birkett.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN17Dx-Xbh0c9GODLZorsFlBtezvd85fFmjTaBbMMTNkLcXqP0jnKit1JJDzBoWLMun85cnjUfQdpcFrG5gKauXcuiMfmCi94QsEgi9oEbxcDXrQMCwsG6lnxf_AKt6CcyIvvubuxLkeP_DWYjCk_dhDH0j0LhjNJ8AL_9NhDIMZin6j5a35pCIA65_GI/s1024/image0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN17Dx-Xbh0c9GODLZorsFlBtezvd85fFmjTaBbMMTNkLcXqP0jnKit1JJDzBoWLMun85cnjUfQdpcFrG5gKauXcuiMfmCi94QsEgi9oEbxcDXrQMCwsG6lnxf_AKt6CcyIvvubuxLkeP_DWYjCk_dhDH0j0LhjNJ8AL_9NhDIMZin6j5a35pCIA65_GI/w120-h160/image0.jpeg" width="120" /></a></div><br />Herta Fossett</b>, (left) who died recently aged 92, was an example of the multiple roles women play in the circus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The matriarch of <b>Fossett's Circus</b> began her career in a <b>perch act</b>: she spun in a human-sized hamster wheel atop a pole balanced on her mother's chin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When she became a mother herself, Herta was persuaded to give up the more perilous big top acts such as <b>high wire</b>, and <b>present elephants</b>. After retiring from the ring, she was in charge of the <b>candy floss</b> stand. She continued to travel with the show and was part of its day to day running until her dying day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Away from the spotlight, Fossett was also a mother. She brought up the next generation of show-runners and performers, including Fossett's' current ringmaster <b>Marion Fossett</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a mid-80s TV documentary, Herta said, "The glamour is the two hours that people see. Behind the glamour is the <b>hardship</b> - especially for a woman - which people never realise."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Her chores including carrying containers of water to showgrounds without a mains supply, hand-washing sequined costumes and hoping they would dry in front of the gas fire in her caravan in time for the show.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not all of today's performers live in travelling circuses, of course. But female performers nevertheless have a different experience to their male counterparts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"We’ve got sessions on women ageing in circus," says Birkett. "On being pregnant and being a mum when you’re performing.</div><div><br /></div><div>"We look at costume. Why are men and women’s costumes often so different? Do they need to be?</div><div><br /></div><div>"It’s a celebration of everything women are doing in circus. It’s very positive, but it doesn’t shy away from the challenges that still exist."</div><div><br /></div><div><i>For more information Daring Dames visit www.circus250.com</i></div><div><br /></div><p></p><p><br /> </p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-45565687935522786682024-02-27T15:21:00.000-08:002024-02-27T15:24:50.672-08:00Philip Astley Centre opens in Newcastle-under-Lyme to celebrate the Father of the Circus.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRNFxNlPwy3_sbqVm-cziX8rjMoN7jsAJewO4D2Ys12SezlMymH3JjKMFOLjUHmPfnkpFyQcmflsTJvT8yw5PpNTU8P_hYcI7KwwD7Tc3_DmLiyj5WVfPIfnkB2vtLPJtY9nRr1n0eZC1fAy2WKdRQEapO2dUe-0U2f2KorQ-2DL4z4KZeteYzJiHsLN7/s1600/Phillip%20Astley%20Centre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRNFxNlPwy3_sbqVm-cziX8rjMoN7jsAJewO4D2Ys12SezlMymH3JjKMFOLjUHmPfnkpFyQcmflsTJvT8yw5PpNTU8P_hYcI7KwwD7Tc3_DmLiyj5WVfPIfnkB2vtLPJtY9nRr1n0eZC1fAy2WKdRQEapO2dUe-0U2f2KorQ-2DL4z4KZeteYzJiHsLN7/w417-h278/Phillip%20Astley%20Centre.jpg" width="417" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More than 250 years ago, <b>Philip Astley</b> invented the <b>circus</b> as we know it today. Two and a half centuries later, on <b>9 March</b>, a <b>Philip Astley Centre</b> will open in his hometown of <b>Newcastle-under-Lyme</b> to celebrate his legacy as the original greatest showman.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Giving new life to a formerly derelict shop, the <b>Staffordshire</b> visitor centre will host exhibitions, talks and circus workshops.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Astley was born in the town in <b>1742</b> and fought in the <b>Seven Years War</b> before using his equestrian skill to establish the first circus ring, in London in <b>1768</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The <b>42-ft diameter</b> circle in which he performed tricks on horseback became the standard size of a <b>circus ring</b> throughout the world to this day. He also added acrobats, strongmen, clowns and novelty acts to his equestrian displays to create the variety show nature of a traditional circus show.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The <b>Philip Astley Centre</b> is the brainchild of magician <b>Andrew Van Buren</b>, who described it as "a necessary and long awaited addition to the town infrastructure, providing a chance for visitors to learn about and experience the Astley legacy through access to exhibitions, archives, and related physical skills."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For more information, visit www.philipastley.org.uk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogniIUzzq3-27QZW4iC7IHkf_pDA2UleyrrfRZS04ENZVVUgW9pnSF6U0MmN5xdnzL4cPw2HQHT8ij6uVuiQHw4GNaaGMCgRM08b4w4yHGTP0UMia2XBcvSOvB65gwz2dbGg_j1qQ7sdexNfAsqiKsARa5mW_vFvBay3o9I1HONsHcSffK4zIW_Gw58nq/s2048/Astley%20Centre%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogniIUzzq3-27QZW4iC7IHkf_pDA2UleyrrfRZS04ENZVVUgW9pnSF6U0MmN5xdnzL4cPw2HQHT8ij6uVuiQHw4GNaaGMCgRM08b4w4yHGTP0UMia2XBcvSOvB65gwz2dbGg_j1qQ7sdexNfAsqiKsARa5mW_vFvBay3o9I1HONsHcSffK4zIW_Gw58nq/w410-h273/Astley%20Centre%202.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-36396336952181626142024-02-18T04:37:00.000-08:002024-02-18T04:37:22.691-08:00Cirque du Soleil breaks world records in London<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAOgSgO-yQOJYOiu-4-FBmwgES21lu40HFJk9CdDldwqbMlVAEpnudl2sBR-1SUOH0gJ7kVk_d024KsS8zDQbgbM2gjeDUrLQl2ETVe45nlcl5CgD4P4L2g2tZPpHCJrhfim3M6pXBrHDIgb4un-1MnDG44EAyT5VA4DSXNqxf13JJisbravoKp36cqVQ/s1065/cirque%20du%20solei.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1065" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAOgSgO-yQOJYOiu-4-FBmwgES21lu40HFJk9CdDldwqbMlVAEpnudl2sBR-1SUOH0gJ7kVk_d024KsS8zDQbgbM2gjeDUrLQl2ETVe45nlcl5CgD4P4L2g2tZPpHCJrhfim3M6pXBrHDIgb4un-1MnDG44EAyT5VA4DSXNqxf13JJisbravoKp36cqVQ/w398-h224/cirque%20du%20solei.webp" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Setting world records has long been a way for circuses to gain publicity, whether it was the <b>Chinese State Circus</b> balancing the most performers on a bike or the <b>Circus of Horrors</b> suspending the most people over the Thames in a 'human mobile'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Cirque du Soleil</b> took time out from its current run at the <b>Royal Albert Hall</b> to clock up two new entries into <b>Guinness World of Records</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The UK's <b>Lucie Colebeck</b>, above left, set a new record for <b>36 back handsprings</b> on a trampoline in 30 seconds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the show, she normally does five in a row. Doing so many continuously "felt like flying," she said.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mongolia's <b>Oyun-Erdene Senge</b> beat her previous record of 21 with <b>24 contortion roll push-ups</b> in 30 seconds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What's a contortion roll push-up? First you get yourself into the position in the picture, above right, then you do push-ups!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Easy, right? Well, it is for Senge who said, "I've been doing these push-ups since I was six-years-old. It's part of my daily life."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Cirque du Soleil's show Algeria is at the Royal Albert Hall until 3 March.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-10138794773110420752023-12-28T16:13:00.000-08:002023-12-29T04:33:56.887-08:0010 Best Circus Acts of 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg743Zzu5d50gjsVpsci1jSqQwFWoo1M3lAT6hpE8_CYJ65TgF7l9AH432qChVQTotsEQetPXizjfNWMFBew2P-NMCEMgksC2NkNKQDd5Hvzx4JHYpo8d3Mwmxtu-M2QduYfqpJAnKvWfC116V9yq9gEp83ybdjJ8ndwVGoN-D53tP3IL_qJFZ5JYY8fPxy/s382/Screenshot%202023-12-27%208.22.06%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="382" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg743Zzu5d50gjsVpsci1jSqQwFWoo1M3lAT6hpE8_CYJ65TgF7l9AH432qChVQTotsEQetPXizjfNWMFBew2P-NMCEMgksC2NkNKQDd5Hvzx4JHYpo8d3Mwmxtu-M2QduYfqpJAnKvWfC116V9yq9gEp83ybdjJ8ndwVGoN-D53tP3IL_qJFZ5JYY8fPxy/w365-h250/Screenshot%202023-12-27%208.22.06%20PM.png" width="365" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From big stunts to quirky moments, and the funny to the thrilling, here are the ten best things that I saw in a British big top in 2023. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">10</span> Nia Nikolova Jones, Treadmill, Circus Funtasia</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes the simplest things are the best. I'm not sure if <b>Nia</b> walking on a <b>treadmill</b> to <b>Dolly Parton</b>'s <b><i>9 to 5</i></b> really counts as an 'act'. It's the lead-in to her <b>juggling</b> routine. But it's such a fun and engaging moment, and such an original use of a prop, that it really did steal the show. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">9</span> Whip-cracking, Circus Cortex, Kingdom of Winter</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The front row of a circus is always a dangerous place to be. You might get <b>water-pistoled</b> by a <b>clown</b>, or conscripted into an act. But ringside was never scarier than at Circus Cortex's Christmas show, when the whip-cracker's female assistant stood right against the ring fence, a couple of feet from the audience and held up <b>playing cards</b> that were <b>sliced in half</b> by her whip-cracking partner. She then went through the fence and stood among the audience while he sliced straws in half. People were literally <b>fleeing their seats</b> for safer parts of the big top! But that's what the circus should be: dangerously exciting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">8</span> High-wire, Circus Vegas</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Circus Vegas opened their show with a big act: a male and female high-wire duo. The crowd-wowing finale saw the female wire-walker stand on her partner's shoulders for a long and precarious descent of a sloping wire to the ground.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">7</span> Kevin Kevin, Ringmaster, Big Kid Circus</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ringmasters are becoming a rare sight, with many shows opting for off-stage announcements or no introductions at all. But <b>Kevin Kevin</b> (yep, he's a double Kevin) really helps to engage the audience in the acts, especially during the opening <b>flying trapeze</b> act (notable for a flyer flying <b>blindfolded</b> and a climatic <b>head-first</b> drop to the net) when his commentary built up expectations for each trick. Ringmaster should be one of the safer circus acts, but <b>Britain's first black ringmaster</b> took his life in his hands by standing amid the circling motorbikes in the <b>Globe of Death</b>. He was also the assistant in a <b>magic trick</b>, vanishing from the cabinet before <b>La Loka</b> the clown shoved a set of metal spikes through it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">6</span> Mr Popol and Kakehole, Kakehole's Taxi, Snowstorm 3</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can't beat a <b>clown car</b>, and Britain's best-dressed clowns did a hilarious version of the <b>taxi routine</b> on the ice rink of Manchester's Trafford Centre. The climax saw the back of the car fall off, ejecting Popol, then pulling off his trousers as it left the arena. (<a href="https://circusmania.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-snow-storm-3-northern-lights.html" target="_blank">read my review of <b>Snowstorm 3</b> here</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">5</span> Motorbike globe-jumping, Circus Zyair</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'd rather watch motorbikes jumping over a globe of death than spinning inside it. It's an incredibly <b>powerful</b> and <b>unexpected sight</b> to see a <b>motorbike</b> roaring high in the air in the indoor environment of a big top. I first saw the leaping bikes at <b>Circus Extreme</b>, and their bikes still probably go highest, because they have the headroom. A similar display caused a wow at <b>Planet Circus</b>. But there was something particularly raw about seeing the stunt performed in the relatively small space of the <b>Circus Zyair</b> tent. Rather than a climax to the act, they also used the the leaps as an <b>entrance</b>, with each biker leaping over the globe before joining his teammates inside it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">4</span> Laura Miller, Hoop and water plunge, Circus Extreme</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Half aerialist and half mermaid, Miller's act involves being periodically <b>plunged</b> into a <b>tank of water</b>, then hoisted high into the roof of <b>Britain's biggest big top</b> to strike poses on a hoop with the water spraying off her. The climax saw the surface of the water <b>set on fire</b>, turning the tank into an <b>inferno</b>. The crowd let out a collective gasp as Miller abruptly let go of the hoop and plunged several body lengths into the water, the splash extinguishing the flames. (<a href="https://circusmania.blogspot.com/search?q=circus+extreme" target="_blank">you can read my review of <b>Circus Extreme</b> here</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">3</span> BMX Bikes, Cirque Berserk, Winter Wonderland</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a high-octane show as a whole, the real <b>edge-of-the-seat</b> moment had to be a biker standing up on his front wheel and hopping over the limbs of a lady laying in a star shape on the ground, missing her by inches. (<a href="https://circusmania.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-cirque-berserk-winter-wonderland.html" target="_blank">read my review of <b>Cirque Berserk</b> here</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">2</span> Duo Stefaneli, Quick change, Planet Circus</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Duo Stefaneli performed a truly <b>death-defying</b> series of hangs from a <b>flying saucer</b> trapeze bar during one of their acts at Planet Circus. But it was their other act, a fun and frothy <b>quick change</b> routine that stole the show, thanks to their <b>personal chemistry</b>, charisma and probably the <b>catchiest music</b> in any big top this year. In a business that is good at producing 'acts' but rarely produces 'stars', as in personalities we can identify as individuals, rather than by what they do, these two have real <b>star power</b>. (<a href="https://circusmania.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-planet-circus-omg.html" target="_blank">read my review of <b>Planet Circus</b> here</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1</span> <span style="font-size: medium;">Alex the Fireman, revolving ladder, Circus Fantasia</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Earlier in the year I posted about <b>Alexandru Lupu</b> under the heading, <b>Is This The Best Circus Act In The UK Today?</b> (<a href="https://circusmania.blogspot.com/search?q=alex+the+fireman" target="_blank">You can read it <b>here</b></a>) And although I've seen many great acts since, none has beaten it. Mixing <b>slapstick</b> and <b>thrills</b>, <b>fire</b> and <b>water</b>, Alex <b>spinning perilously</b> on his ladder is the best bit of physical comedy since the great stunts of <b>Charlie Chaplin</b> and <b>Harold Lloyd</b> in the days of <b>silent film</b>. Alex the Fireman isn't just the best act in the circus today, he's a <b>one-man circus!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-jMfyfuH890IUdyH8GXEJf20TuHrx7HpCSa-UkFnwW4kvGgn9JHmZS0PmNhAjgviTSlBqS-oSe1IV5FnoFrfh9n-Q4XJx1efe0lJliomwwh1Xhhvj44FAqG681c0z1oOjXY0VPD7ye3Am_eh67RKNclO3-VjITURQEnTkc0iItYtw4n7R3Wo623iHNKs/s843/Alex%20the%20Fireman.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="843" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-jMfyfuH890IUdyH8GXEJf20TuHrx7HpCSa-UkFnwW4kvGgn9JHmZS0PmNhAjgviTSlBqS-oSe1IV5FnoFrfh9n-Q4XJx1efe0lJliomwwh1Xhhvj44FAqG681c0z1oOjXY0VPD7ye3Am_eh67RKNclO3-VjITURQEnTkc0iItYtw4n7R3Wo623iHNKs/s320/Alex%20the%20Fireman.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Alex the Fireman </b><br />Photo credit: Bina Fellowes Photography</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-83187248238449631782023-12-26T16:41:00.000-08:002023-12-26T16:41:42.619-08:00Review: Snow Storm 3 - Northern Lights<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpT0n__JxT92FYdS9RZPvpTboajZTQLC2Ws-8pPAMVBRnie1a-bEqGk5tsGfyoajY8PjwUSZBCzlHmdCxj22AxFa2kFR_67E2E_3rh4MF5xeBcx00eUsiu0LmJIcNbO5vVndxh_VZpTp2qQ8jmX9J0K78hVC2iN6fWWFA_1xLMtPjmKiu7fIDQ6eg4GOk/s473/Screenshot%202023-12-27%2012.07.35%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="473" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpT0n__JxT92FYdS9RZPvpTboajZTQLC2Ws-8pPAMVBRnie1a-bEqGk5tsGfyoajY8PjwUSZBCzlHmdCxj22AxFa2kFR_67E2E_3rh4MF5xeBcx00eUsiu0LmJIcNbO5vVndxh_VZpTp2qQ8jmX9J0K78hVC2iN6fWWFA_1xLMtPjmKiu7fIDQ6eg4GOk/w354-h214/Screenshot%202023-12-27%2012.07.35%20AM.png" width="354" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Phillip Gandey's</b> name may not be as widely known as, say, <b>Gerry Cottle</b>, <b>Billy Smart</b> or the <b>Chipperfield </b>family. But that's only because, apart from his eponymous <b>Gandey's Circus</b>, which he inherited from his father, he didn't put his name in the title of the many shows he created. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>The Chinese State Circus</b>, for example, was one of the <b>most-attended circuses</b> to tour the UK since the early 90s. But China didn't have a state circus. The show was created and named by <b>Phillip Gandey</b>. He has had equally long-running success with <b>The Lady Boys of Bangkok</b>, in which he took a traditional form of <b>Thai cabaret</b> and adapted it to British tastes with <b>contemporary pop music</b>. His other big successes include <b>Spirit of the Horse</b> and <b>Cirque Surreal</b> - both of which may have been attended by many who didn't associate the shows with his name.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With his ex-wife <b>Carol Gandey</b>, he in fact headed the <b>world's second-biggest producer</b> of circus entertainment after <b>Cirque du Soleil</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the time of Gandey's <b>untimely death</b>, aged just <b>67</b>, on 12 December 2023, he was responsible for the <b>Great Circus of Europe</b>, at that time playing in the <b>Arab Emirates</b>, and <b>Snow Storm 3</b>, at the <b>Trafford Centre</b> in <b>Manchester</b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Snow Storm 3</b> was a fine show with which to bow out. Perhaps more of an <b>ice show</b> than a circus, it's an ideal confection for Christmas. With a non-stop soundtrack of <b>yuletide favourites</b>, including <b><i>Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree</i></b>, <b><i>All I Want For Chrismas is You</i></b>, <b><i>Walking In The Air</i></b> and <b>Fairy Tale of New York</b>, it fills its frozen rink with a swirl of highly skilled ice dancers, in duos and large-scale groups, dressed in a different outfit for each number.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But it's also held in a big top and features a strong circus element.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Britain's best-dressed clown, <b>Mr Popol</b> (<b>Paul Carpenter</b>) opens the proceedings in his glittering purple costume and tall hat, playing <b><i>White Christmas</i></b> on trumpet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Later in the show, Mr Popol is joined by his regular auguste, <b>Kakehole</b> (<b>Chris Freear</b>) in a couple of classic clown routines. The funniest one involves <b>Kakehole's comedy car</b>, licence plate URA 1 (You are a one!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Popol</b> also shows his vocal talents, when he joins the ice dancers in a white wig to sing <b><i>Mr White Christmas</i></b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Elsewhere in the show, Phillip's daughter <b>Hayley Gandey</b> - a fourth generation ring star - performs an elegant <b>cloud swing</b> routine, including an audience-wowing upside down hang, after being driven on to the ice in another of no less than three comedy cars to appear in the show. The third mini-vehicle features in a topical pink-themed skating routine to the music from the movie smash of the year, <b>Barbie</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The best mix of circus and ice comes from an aerialist introduced as <b>Arina</b>, who skates around the rink between rising into the air and assuming various poses on an <b>umbrella-like prop</b> with a hook-like handle - something seldom seen with a performer wearing <b>ice skates</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACSr2greeEEFrmXe3l31p-u5wDD7gNm94Ry6XlRJzCh3B5i2OaMoY_Wds0X8H2Dg8HoK8J3JWJIE6JKZqbg30Hzo-YPfUXeHkZm1FHq1mOC1UILB3W-fxstv9N01RDE6UVoXFYT3Q-Smy89Vy8CWCrTPnvUOGKf8DY5G4K0dLWW4dWaRzwLYE_WqeWp4h/s350/Screenshot%202023-12-27%2012.03.43%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="350" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACSr2greeEEFrmXe3l31p-u5wDD7gNm94Ry6XlRJzCh3B5i2OaMoY_Wds0X8H2Dg8HoK8J3JWJIE6JKZqbg30Hzo-YPfUXeHkZm1FHq1mOC1UILB3W-fxstv9N01RDE6UVoXFYT3Q-Smy89Vy8CWCrTPnvUOGKf8DY5G4K0dLWW4dWaRzwLYE_WqeWp4h/w338-h333/Screenshot%202023-12-27%2012.03.43%20AM.png" width="338" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A laser sequence recreates the Northern Lights of the title before a joyous ensemble finale to the arm-waving music of <b><i>I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day</i></b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I interviewed Gandey for <i><b>The Stage</b></i> in 2020 he said:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">“My ambition is to leave the company in a good position for our daughters to carry on. If I was given the choice of somewhere to finish, it would be watching one of our shows with a full house.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I guess this would have been the sort of show he had in mind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">RIP <b>Phillip Gandey</b>, one of the world's greatest showmen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Snow Storm 3 runs until 1 January.</i></b></div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-71478369603212511282023-12-22T15:51:00.000-08:002023-12-24T04:36:53.975-08:00Review: Big Apple Circus meets Circus Theatre Roncalli in New York City, 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouPRyRM0Gcg2w6YvmDtyCqDpfTOnUhANCd9uxKOzo9e5UI7mY_6LGipukrDCpDIOeG1vdF_ci3yVsYZpia3UWcVGrYcCqEdTpuno-dw4seaKgdhfwYaOm8IZ_tg1JaWIVb5BgBGvwBnwf10-b7WUmP0KQ-kdEbSkfd3vnX-H6kD-ze0YRZxJksu10RBgS/s700/bigapplecircus_clown.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="700" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouPRyRM0Gcg2w6YvmDtyCqDpfTOnUhANCd9uxKOzo9e5UI7mY_6LGipukrDCpDIOeG1vdF_ci3yVsYZpia3UWcVGrYcCqEdTpuno-dw4seaKgdhfwYaOm8IZ_tg1JaWIVb5BgBGvwBnwf10-b7WUmP0KQ-kdEbSkfd3vnX-H6kD-ze0YRZxJksu10RBgS/w375-h321/bigapplecircus_clown.webp" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2023</b> was the year that <b>Ringling</b> returned with <b>The Greatest Show on Earth</b>, its new animal-free spectacular (you can <b><a href="https://circusmania.blogspot.com/2023/11/still-greatest-show-on-earth-review-of.html" target="_blank">read my review here</a></b>). Opening a <b>new era</b> for <b>American circus</b>, it was certainly the <b>biggest</b> show on Earth. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In <b>New York City</b>, meanwhile, the <b>Big Apple Circus</b> has completely revamped its traditional <b>Christmas</b> stand by bringing to the <b>Lincoln Centre</b> one of the greatest shows in Europe, <b>Circus Theatre Roncalli</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I reviewed the Big Apple's offering last year (<b><a href="https://circusmania.blogspot.com/search?q=big+apple" target="_blank">read it here</a></b>) the procession of <b>solo acts</b> had a decidedly threadbare feel. While the acts themselves were good, there was no sense of a <b>production</b>, no <b>razzmatazz</b>. It certainly didn't look like the jewel in the world's jazziest city. Nor did it look like a show celebrating its <b>45th birthday</b>, surely an occasion that deserved a bit of <b>glitz</b>. It looked more like a <b>forgotten attraction</b> barely hanging in after a decade of <b>decline</b> and <b>bankruptcy</b> - which, alas, it was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The arrival of <b>Circus Theatre Roncalli</b> has changed that, and turned New York's resident big top into a must-see attraction once more. Ringling's arena show may be the biggest show on Earth, but Roncalli's one-ring show is undoubtedly the <b>brightest</b>, filling the tent with a non-stop swirl of colour and making a trip to the circus a truly theatrical event.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The immersive experience begins outside the main tent, with an adjacent <b>circus museum</b> full of <b>pictures</b> and <b>costumes</b> from Roncalli's and Big Apple's history. This is something that British circuses should really invest in. The <b>Great Yarmouth Hippodrome</b> has had a <b>backstage museum</b> for the past decade, and each of the travelling shows must have a wealth of <b>old posters</b>, <b>props</b> and <b>costumes</b> in storage. If they were presented in a separate tent beside the big top, the circuses could earn <b>extra revenue</b> with a token charge to walk through circus history in the way that they used to charge visitors to see the <b>animals</b> in the '<b>zoo</b>' after the show.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In New York you can also buy a ticket to a <b>VIP area</b> where you can sip wine and have your picture taken with the performers while being serenaded by Roncalli's <b>8-piece jazz band</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, Roncalli has a band! While most circuses these days rely on recorded music with a contemporary pop feel, Roncalli has a <b>live band</b>, seated on a balcony above the plush red <b>ring doors</b>. The music is distinctly old style - including a bit of the traditional circus music <b>Entrance of the Gladiators </b>- and helps to transport us into a <b>dream-like</b> circus world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The music goes perfectly with the costumes worn by the artists, including traditional <b>red circus tailcoats</b>, and a team of half a dozen <b>Broadway-style dancers</b> whose dresses evoke a variety of eras, from <b>Victorian vaudeville</b> to the <b>royal ballrooms</b> of <b>17th century France</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The show is performed on a raised circular stage with no ring curb to create a barrier between the action and the audience. It begins with <b>Angelo</b>, an <b>exquisitely costumed</b> traditional <b>white-face clown</b> playing a <b>saxophone</b> while solemnly circling the stage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The quiet opening captures our attention before the show suddenly bursts into life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two more clowns descend from the ceiling in a <b>hot air balloon</b> and basket. While the balloon is removed from the stage, a <b>circus train</b> comprising a small lorry and two huge <b>circus wagons</b> circle the perimeter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The opening sequence sets up the loose theme of travel, reflected in the show's title, <b>Journey to the Rainbow</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In keeping with the theme, a <b>contortionist</b> performs atop what looks like a tall but narrow <b>ship's funnel</b>. He then folds himself in two and slides down the inside of the tube and emerges from a door in the base.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also on the travel theme, a <b>cyclist</b> pedals around the inside of a <b>basket</b> made from wooden slats that is hoisted into the air, swinging and swaying about like a <b>lampshade</b>, while he rides around the basket's sloping walls with nothing but an open hole beneath him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's not an act I've seen before, but America's No1 ring-watcher <b>Showbiz David</b> reported on one in his review of the <b>Zoppe Italian Family Circus</b> in sunny <b>California</b> a couple of months back (<b><a href="https://showbizdavid.blogspot.com/2023/10/creative-rich-zoppe-family-circus.html" target="_blank">read his review here</a></b>), so maybe it's a new trick coming into fashion (or perhaps it was the same performer). David wasn't impressed by what he called a "refreshing prop in search of a payoff." And it's true that it is a <b>one-trick act</b>. But in Roncalli's fast-moving programme it doesn't last long. It would definitely make a change to see such an act in a UK circus instead of the ubiquitous motorcycle <b>Globe of Death</b> (which isn't featured in the Roncalli ring).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While Ringling fields big acts, like a crisscrossing <b>flying trapeze</b> and a <b>human cannonball</b> in its big arena spaces, Roncalli goes for more intimate <b>music hall</b>-style acts. <b>Emma Philips</b> is one of the most entertaining <b>foot-jugglers</b> I have seen. Dressed as a <b>vintage showgirl</b> with a feather in her hat (she made her own costume, too) she spins a <b>table</b> atop her feet while spinning a <b>parasol</b> in each hand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A <b>juggler</b> wows with a one-handed juggling of three clubs. A <b>tightrope walke</b>r bounces back and forth between two crossed ropes. A clown performs a <b>comedy springboard</b> act, flipping a <b>teddy bear</b> into a chair atop his head. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Elsewhere in the show, a male and female <b>aerial routine</b> is romantically dressed with <b>candelabras</b> flickering around the ring and a <b>female vocalist</b> singing a romantic ballad while a <b>pianist</b> plays a <b>baby grand</b> beside the ring doors, conjuring the feel of a <b>cabaret supper club</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just as Ringling has ditched its <b>animals</b> - and with them a whiff of <b>controversy</b> that has dogged the circus industry for decades - this is the first year that the <b>Big Apple Circus</b> has featured only human performers. Last year's show featured just one act with small dogs, and it looked like a token reminder of a bygone era of entertainment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And yet, the <b>ghost of circus</b> <b>past</b> haunts the Lincoln Centre's tent this Christmas. The <b>strangest act</b> in the show features three performers dressed as <b>polar bears</b>. These aren't the big, jolly cartoon-like costume characters that lumber around the ring at <b>Zippos Christmas Circus</b> in <b>London</b>, however.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Roncalli bears move on all-fours like real bears. Guided by a <b>female trainer</b> with a <b>whip</b>, they recreate a traditional polar bear act, standing on their hind legs on <b>podiums</b> and walking across a <b>see-saw</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyP14g-pTxGJUiED7yVMeQUaZCg6MBpD2lEGoAHZ0kAZHV4WFodI7L65fJjHHHbiLGN1qoFOX0Q1IJ84msUfZPLAOKgSGamcTB1Vkzvf1rk8cO3VGvRfjSJXFjeL01aVB48lMQGM2nD8OWwmtAJTNaNWmvAXYnpOw0HgtXPYuYUt5a6IhYzN3s1vy8nv00/s696/Polar%20bears.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="696" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyP14g-pTxGJUiED7yVMeQUaZCg6MBpD2lEGoAHZ0kAZHV4WFodI7L65fJjHHHbiLGN1qoFOX0Q1IJ84msUfZPLAOKgSGamcTB1Vkzvf1rk8cO3VGvRfjSJXFjeL01aVB48lMQGM2nD8OWwmtAJTNaNWmvAXYnpOw0HgtXPYuYUt5a6IhYzN3s1vy8nv00/w378-h252/Polar%20bears.webp" width="378" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It looks like a <b>dream sequence</b>, a memory of circus as it was... and anyone who finds circuses <b>creepy</b> may well find it <b>disturbing</b>! I can't see anyone who disliked the idea of animals being 'forced to perform' enjoying this reminder of what they came to an all-human circus to avoid. But then, maybe circus directors can't help giving us a little <b>shiver</b> now and then. As much as the industry decries the image of <b>cruel lion tamers</b> and <b>scary clowns</b>, perhaps there is a little dark corner of the circus' heart that enjoys being sinister.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Playing to that <b>other-worldly image</b> of <b>mysterious circus people</b>, the show concludes with a bewitching <b>bubble-blowing act</b> by <b>Paulo Carillon</b>, a <b>steampunk clown </b>who drives into the ring in a <b>bizarre vehicle</b> apparently made from scrap metal that, being a former engineer, he made himself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">His moodily lit act shows the artful beauty that can be created by a clown in a tent. And then, after that spell-binding moment, everything is suddenly all light and colour again for the full-cast finale.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a show that truly takes us on a journey, through a multitude of moods and, alongside the completely different but in its own way just as impressive Ringling show, suggests that the American circus industry is on the upswing into a bright new era.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">New Yorkers certainly seem to be lapping it up, with <b>Roncalli</b>'s run <b>extended by two weeks</b> until <b>15 January</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcamzA3C3_XxvnbNOQ5wa9mftTNCblFEseWLwMVVxRWXF5Lrh6WhkqOj0SKhsDf3tVIBCjJefdudiG9SLvfnrhzBAcqx8aZ5GZoXRQxvt8sbICKBkLv1bcA3TGT1DWbfaqVApCp8kK0JhTAvnui19G4RPF9TDCTWnVETvv5S-a10h2ZlcUu1XMfXOSpbj/s696/big%20apple%20roncalli.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="696" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcamzA3C3_XxvnbNOQ5wa9mftTNCblFEseWLwMVVxRWXF5Lrh6WhkqOj0SKhsDf3tVIBCjJefdudiG9SLvfnrhzBAcqx8aZ5GZoXRQxvt8sbICKBkLv1bcA3TGT1DWbfaqVApCp8kK0JhTAvnui19G4RPF9TDCTWnVETvv5S-a10h2ZlcUu1XMfXOSpbj/w380-h253/big%20apple%20roncalli.webp" width="380" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-80622599958608813302023-12-15T13:56:00.000-08:002023-12-15T13:56:31.369-08:00Who will fill their circus shoes? RIP Phillip Gandey, John Haze, Gerry Cottle and Nell Gifford<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhjIIRczcOG73er75BjXHsERnzInTlsDZvHNl_aogp_u9iiTBjiMiW1HgnTsczKcqYoxHmEtMmpYr_PN90NPmYv1u_fz5b6MmKZmjiRpRfIJbuiz5GR3-rKXAqacwZnACA0cmVgAuNSjP09FoCJGiTJYVidV6E5vZzQQNhIk5a_tQtuc_I1t7j4b8qKH6/s700/Gandey-and-cast_Standard.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="700" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhjIIRczcOG73er75BjXHsERnzInTlsDZvHNl_aogp_u9iiTBjiMiW1HgnTsczKcqYoxHmEtMmpYr_PN90NPmYv1u_fz5b6MmKZmjiRpRfIJbuiz5GR3-rKXAqacwZnACA0cmVgAuNSjP09FoCJGiTJYVidV6E5vZzQQNhIk5a_tQtuc_I1t7j4b8qKH6/w415-h269/Gandey-and-cast_Standard.jpg" width="415" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a shock this week to hear of the death of <b>Phillip Gandey</b> (pictured above with the cast of <b>Gandeys Circus</b>) at the tragically young age of <b>67</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I interviewed <b>Gandey</b> for <b>The Stage</b> in 2020, he was a man full of life. Having just reopened three big tops in <b>Butlins holiday centres</b>, after lockdown restrictions were lifted, his one regret was that he didn't have his usual <b>"five or six" shows</b> simultaneously running in locations from the <b>Edinburgh Festival</b> to the <b>Far</b> and <b>Middle East</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gandey was born into the circus world. A <b>clown</b> aged three, and a <b>knife-thrower</b> at 11, he inherited his father's circus and became the <b>world's youngest circus director</b> at 17.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With his wife, <b>Carol</b>, he established <b>Gandey World Class Productions</b> as the UK's premier exporter of circus shows. When <b>Gandeys Circus</b> stopped using animals in the early 1990s, Gandey became one of the industry's great innovators, seeking fresh ideas to fill the gap left by <b>big cats</b> and <b>elephants.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He brought a Chinese troupe of acrobats to the UK and created the <b>Chinese State Circus</b>, which became one of the country's most successful touring shows. He also created the cabaret-style <b>Lady Boys of Bangkok</b>, <b>Cirque Surreal</b>, <b>Spirit of the Horse</b> and the fundraising <b>Circus Starr</b> (which you can read about <b><a href="https://circusmania.blogspot.com/2014/04/circus-starr-circus-that-helps-kids.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of his newest creations, the <b>circus-on-ice</b> show <b>Snow Storm 3</b> is currently delighting audiences at the <b>Trafford Centre</b> in <b>Manchester</b>. His <b>Great Circus of Europe</b>, meanwhile, has toured <b>Hong Kong</b>, <b>Singapore</b>, and is currently in the <b>Arab Emirates</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gandey's passing leaves a <b>huge hole</b> in the circus world, and follows the loss of another great British showman, <b>John Haze</b>, who died in April this year at almost exactly the same young age.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Haze, like Gandey, was both artistic director and businessman, creating the long-running success story the <b>Circus of Horrors</b> and currently the UK's biggest big top show, <b>Circus Extreme </b>(read my review <b><a href="https://circusmania.blogspot.com/2022/06/circus-extreme-review-britains-biggest.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sadly, it was only a couple of years ago that both Haze and Gandey were paying tribute to another great showman, and a collaborator with both of them, <b>Gerry Cottle</b>, probably the best-known name in UK circus since the 1970s, who died in January 2021, aged 75.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSrIdeDO_3AvBbGeX_ZxI05QoThcEtfciZLjFRfj3M_LdaeuS-rFlt-uxrJe8SNZ4uAh8jy3UrIAM__lF_MkG_NtmbE9IqDecEhHVqWGnzMRZ-in0ih_KEFAoJjt645x9P2ug6euks209RogH1fVqVXaYmv9l41l9kySy2zbYYDzqYTRwGP1_CrS45FE8/s1600/DMcP%20with....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1600" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSrIdeDO_3AvBbGeX_ZxI05QoThcEtfciZLjFRfj3M_LdaeuS-rFlt-uxrJe8SNZ4uAh8jy3UrIAM__lF_MkG_NtmbE9IqDecEhHVqWGnzMRZ-in0ih_KEFAoJjt645x9P2ug6euks209RogH1fVqVXaYmv9l41l9kySy2zbYYDzqYTRwGP1_CrS45FE8/w218-h147/DMcP%20with....jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Circus Mania author Douglas McPherson <br />with Gerry Cottle (left) and John Haze.<br /><br /></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was not long before that, that the circus world was shocked by the loss to cancer of <b>Nell Gifford</b>, aged just 46. (Read her story <b><a href="https://circusmania.blogspot.com/2014/08/giffords-circus-first-ten-years-book.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFNyt0aA5dZxIw1qB2vmES1ZUmmxAhTiL8oeGPkWt0XuN2vsLKSlAPh3xiZ3cWL-eOjFrgi7IB7xd9qHPTP7WybeASsYXvQVUG2VT1aGffMgkGTfIMAAB5zZ2IRTbkk64TJLevdrboHhtKMoe2sFrF9ZWWQvHmZj-SKVzryZuOMgu3A-i7jwD2_FXps7-/s748/Giffords0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="748" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFNyt0aA5dZxIw1qB2vmES1ZUmmxAhTiL8oeGPkWt0XuN2vsLKSlAPh3xiZ3cWL-eOjFrgi7IB7xd9qHPTP7WybeASsYXvQVUG2VT1aGffMgkGTfIMAAB5zZ2IRTbkk64TJLevdrboHhtKMoe2sFrF9ZWWQvHmZj-SKVzryZuOMgu3A-i7jwD2_FXps7-/w212-h148/Giffords0001.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nell Gifford</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the space of four years, Britain has lost four of the most important circus impresarios of modern times. Each was an <b>innovator </b>and <b>energiser</b>, breathing new life into a world of big top and circus ring that was created in London by <b>Philip Astley</b> more than <b>250 years ago</b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They formed a generation of circus-producing talent fit to be remembered alongside their predecessors in earlier eras: <b>Billy Smart</b>, the <b>Chipperfields</b>, <b>Bertram Mills</b>, <b>Lord Sanger</b> and <b>Astley</b> himself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like four <b>king poles</b>, Gandey, Haze, Cottle and Gifford lifted the tent of British circus high. But with their departure, the big top will not fall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although all four were <b>driving forces</b> and <b>figureheads</b>, they were not one-person companies. Each left behind a creative team and/or family members to carry on their legacy. <b>Giffords Circus</b>, the <b>Circus of Horrors</b> and <b>Circus Extreme</b> continue to tour without their creators and the many shows of Phillip Gandey will doubtless do likewise, capably overseen by <b>Carol Gandey</b> and their daughters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We still have another of our greatest showmen, <b>Martin 'Zippo' Burton</b>, whose twin shows in <b>Hyde Park</b>'s <b>Winter Wonderland</b> this Christmas reveal the <b>Zippos</b> brand to be at the top of its game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And a new generation of circus blood is rising, inspired by the generation that came before. People like <b>Tracy Jones</b> who ran away with the circus when she was 15 and learned her craft having knives thrown at her by <b>Phillip Gandey</b> himself. Jones travelled the world with <b>Gandeys Circus</b>, an apprenticeship that stood her in good stead to start her own show, <b>Circus Funtasia</b>, which is this year celebrating its <b>10th anniversary</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also on the ascent are <b>Paul and Irina Archer</b> who spent many years working with Haze in behind-the-scenes roles on the <b>Moscow State Circus</b> and <b>Circus Extreme</b> before launching their own colourful and contemporary-styled big top show <b>Circus Cortex</b> two years ago. The show is currently starring at the indoor <b>Kingdom of Winter</b> attraction at <b>ExCel London</b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Around the country, <b>Planet Circus</b>, <b>Circus Zyair</b> and <b>Big Kid Circus</b> are providing top drawer circus entertainment to big audiences in what feels like a <b>thriving scene</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's easy to see the passing of giants like <b>Phillip Gandey</b>, <b>Haze</b>, <b>Cottle</b> and <b>Gifford</b> as the end of an era. But in the circus, there are no ends. The show will always go on. And as much as they will be missed, I'm sure that Gandey, Haze, Cottle and Gifford would want it no other way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-29208737837258674942023-12-11T15:45:00.000-08:002023-12-12T04:52:14.028-08:00Review: Cirque Berserk, Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1IsgrF6E23jsPpfWnGFwLApU_YHt1CX_didk9Akkfxgxf0B1J87MJPHEinnul635wdJiAkqXteIl2bIX9QdXwH4ZDg8Rb2ffrqFFSsf-lOTDPrlqmZb-w_GbLjSyN85I-8OG0v7OoRIAoJKlhyphenhypheneNBPfQvBNVq9B7rKDwuKvYsblI_IaxSGSvDX0vm0k3/s930/Cirque%20berserk%201.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="930" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1IsgrF6E23jsPpfWnGFwLApU_YHt1CX_didk9Akkfxgxf0B1J87MJPHEinnul635wdJiAkqXteIl2bIX9QdXwH4ZDg8Rb2ffrqFFSsf-lOTDPrlqmZb-w_GbLjSyN85I-8OG0v7OoRIAoJKlhyphenhypheneNBPfQvBNVq9B7rKDwuKvYsblI_IaxSGSvDX0vm0k3/w431-h209/Cirque%20berserk%201.webp" width="431" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you've been to <b>Zippos Christmas Show</b> (<a href="https://circusmania.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-zippos-christmas-circus-winter.html" target="_blank">read my review here</a>) you might have glimpsed a <b>Globe of Death</b> behind the curtains and wondered why it wasn't used. Well, the Globe is for <b>Zippos'</b> other show, <b>Cirque Berserk</b>, which is playing three shows each evening in the same venue. Yep, there are <b>SIX</b> circus performances every day at <b>Hyde Park</b>'s <b>Winter Wonderland</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Cirque Berserk</b> was designed to be a <b>high-octane</b> <b>theatre show</b> (although it works perfectly well in the in-the-round setting of the <b>big top</b>). It has a completely <b>different aesthetic</b> to Zippos traditional circus style and the tent is completely redecorated between afternoon and evening - or, rather, completely stripped out to create the <b>black box</b> <b>style</b> backdrop associated with '<b>cirque</b>'-style shows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Gone</b> are the Christmas lights that cover the <b>king poles</b> in the Christmas show. Gone is the <b>ring curb</b>, removing all barriers between audience and action. The <b>ring doors</b> (curtains) are pulled back, leaving the <b>Globe of Death</b> visible in the background at all times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gone, too, are the cheery Christmas songs, replaced by a <b>percussion-driven contemporary soundtrack</b>. <b>Moody lighting</b> bathes the <b>edge-less performing area</b> in hazy shades of blue, purple and pink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The line-up of acts is also completely different.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What Berserk has in common with the Christmas Show is the amount of <b>high quality circus stunts</b> it packs into its compact, fat-free <b>45-minute running time</b>, and the <b>slickness</b> with which it <b>transitions</b> between the acts, leaving not a second's pause in the action.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The acts in fact overlap, with one set of performers arriving as another leaves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The show begins with an energetic display of <b>overhead bar gymnastics</b>. The routine is best viewed from the side where you can really see the <b>guys and gal</b> swinging around the bars.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No sooner have the gymnasts dropped to the ground and begun to collapse their apparatus, than a <b>motorcyclist</b> roars into view above them, with a <b>trapeze artist</b> performing on a <b>cradle</b> beneath him. The high wire artists' most crowd-wowing stunt sees biker and trapeze artist <b>revolving around the wire</b>, with him passing under it as she swings over it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When the bike backs out of sight, <b>Ludvik Novotny</b> is already atop a platform centre stage, ready to impress with his <b>rola-rola</b> routine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another of the show's <b>seamless transitions</b> is achieved by a <b>two-man balancing act</b> (pictured above) performing in part atop a ramp and platforms that will be used by the <b>BMX stunt bike trio</b> that follow them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The balancers conclude their act with a neat fall from a human pyramid to a pair of forward rolls and exit via an aisle through the audience as the <b>BMXers</b> ride into the ring behind them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The highlight of the BMX routine sees a female performer <b>lie in a star shape</b> on the floor while a rider, standing up on one wheel, <b>hops his bike</b> around and over her, missing her limbs by inches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a stunt reminiscent of an <b>elephant</b> stepping over their trainer's assistant in the <b>world of circus past</b>, and is one of those apparently <b>dicing with death</b> circus moments that really ramps up the <b>tension</b> in an audience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Is the danger to the woman in this stunt really greater than that of the <b>aerial artists</b> performing on <b>silks</b> and <b>chains</b> elsewhere in the show? Or the <b>daredevil motorcyclists</b> circling inside the <b>Globe of Death</b>? It's hard for the audience to judge, but I would argue that it <b><i>feels</i></b> greater. We don't have the experience of being up on the silk while possessing the skill those artists have, and part of their job is <b>making it look easy</b>, rather than <b>precarious</b>. But we can imagine how it would feel to trust your safety to a bloke on a bike and how it would feel if his wheel and weight accidentally landed on your arm, or your <b>stomach</b>... or your <b>head</b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>I</b> wouldn't like to lie there, put it that way - and it's that <b>empathic</b> reaction that really <b>connects</b> the performance to the audience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On a lighter note, the tall <b>Whimmy Walker</b> and the <b>3-foot-tall</b> <b>Paulo Dos Santos</b> make a great <b>clown duo</b>, entering on a <b>bouncy motorcycle</b> and a <b>tiny bike</b>. Their <b>tramp-style costumes</b> and absence of traditional clown make-up fit perfectly with the contemporary cirque style while they mix <b>juggling skills</b> with <b>traditional slapstick</b>. Paulo is a sometime <b>Ringling star</b> and Whimmy's great-great-grandfather clowned for <b>Queen Victoria</b>, so they both know exactly what they're doing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Elsewhere in the show is a <b>crossbow act</b> and a couple of <b>aerial routines</b> with three artists in the air at the same time, the central performer on chains or <b>hanging from her hair</b>, while the other two perform on <b>silks</b> to either side of her. The result is much stronger visually than having just one aerialist in the ring, which is often the case with such acts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The shaven-headed <b>Alexandr Shpilevoy</b> displays masterful control in an elegant, dramatic and accomplished <b>Cyr wheel</b> act. The act ends with him backing away into the shadows while his <b>hoop</b> continues to <b>spin alone</b> in the <b>spotlight</b>. It's a very <b>striking visual image</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The show concludes with the ever-lurking <b>Globe of Death</b> being brought forward into the centre of the ring.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I said in my review of <b>Planet Circus</b> (<a href="https://circusmania.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-planet-circus-omg.html" target="_blank">which you can read here</a>), the Globe is not my favourite stunt. The fact that EVERY circus seems to end with one has made it too commonplace for my liking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The one at Berserk is well lit, however, and looks good close-up from <b>front row</b>. The show also adds a couple of twists. A ballerina stands in the centre of the cage and lets one of the motorcyclists snatch a feather from her hand as the bikes revolve around her. Then, when the stunt riders have left, <b>Paulo Dos Santos</b> enters the globe on a <b>miniature motorbike</b> and roars around the inside while the rest of the company come out to take a bow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a nice end to a <b>fast-flowing show</b> that crams 90 minutes worth of acts into 45 and delivers outstanding value for money. Is it better or worse than <b>Zippos Christmas Show</b> in the afternoon? The two shows are as different as apples and oranges and equally outstanding. Any circus fan heading for Hyde Park this winter would miss out if they didn't see both.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Cirque Berserk has shows at 18:00, 19:30 and 21:00 each day except Christmas Day until 31 December.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-80396235511573167382023-12-09T13:54:00.000-08:002023-12-20T14:34:02.525-08:00Review: Zippos Christmas Circus, Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vVNEUTzr0zUSuoLXxY_Hw-OUzdo_UF40i7JrJcGS0IhKKxbwiAb7o25mWSMzTynjnLCbVG5ZWh7VNidinPIs_rS_NfYoTYNv80W13huj3EfH882tzcFENGzlYrBi2i2Aw58k2XejqWKQ0Wo7ooi_5gu5Q84zx_0yLiQWJ7MoLoYAazp53cetVfNDZ3We/s1600/Zippos%20Christmas%20Circus%20Festive%20opening%20-%20Circus%20Photographer%20Piet-Hein%20Out%20-%20circusphotographer_com.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vVNEUTzr0zUSuoLXxY_Hw-OUzdo_UF40i7JrJcGS0IhKKxbwiAb7o25mWSMzTynjnLCbVG5ZWh7VNidinPIs_rS_NfYoTYNv80W13huj3EfH882tzcFENGzlYrBi2i2Aw58k2XejqWKQ0Wo7ooi_5gu5Q84zx_0yLiQWJ7MoLoYAazp53cetVfNDZ3We/w435-h290/Zippos%20Christmas%20Circus%20Festive%20opening%20-%20Circus%20Photographer%20Piet-Hein%20Out%20-%20circusphotographer_com.jpg" width="435" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Christmas</b> adds its own magic to any form of entertainment, from <b>concerts</b> to <b>romcoms</b>, and the <b>circus</b> is no exception. <b>Zippos</b> <b>Christmas Show</b>, nestled within <b>Hyde Park</b>'s <b>Winter Wonderland</b>, covers its usual <b>fun for all the family</b> with a <b>snowfall</b> of all the expected <b>Yuletide</b> delights: <b>Snowballs</b>, dancers in <b>Santa hats</b>, giant <b>polar bear</b> costumes, feel-good <b>Christmas songs</b> like <i>Jingle Bells</i> and <i>Santa Claus is Coming To Town</i>, <b>clowns</b> dressed as <b>elves</b> and even a climatic appearance by an enormous inflatable <b>Father Christmas</b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To walk into any <b>big top</b> is a <b>magical experience</b>, a gateway to another world, but with <b>king poles</b> draped in <b>frosty silver Christmas lights</b>, and a ring backdrop of scenery marked <b>Elf Workshop</b> and <b>Reindeer House</b>, the tent becomes a <b>grotto</b> - you get your money's worth just by walking in! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But <b>London's favourite circus</b> delivers more than Christmas wrapping and the <b>Hyde Park</b> edition is more than a <b>sideshow</b> to the surrounding <b>Winter Wonderland</b>. Zippos recently became the UK's first tenting circus to be awarded the <b>Big Top Label</b> - the quality certificate of European circuses - and it packs more <b>genuine circus action</b> into a fast-moving 45 minute running time than most deliver in a full-length show.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BFx8mowfB7-oSzFN_YXQFIzr7NSky6rBsTNJgwjYQoAX1FAG5bRDx8d0t_uRcAwL1IGmnvmfgoJqlUK5nOlrTCQSJayR9_qFcaXCAaKx3vh14ef7lNS5cRA5D3RcxAvqs1Z4oJlxCfmrpMPrLoklw0yvTOVKccb9qZwPKz8bGoSQtkt3UvFG6NtRRtUu/s1600/Zippos%20circus%20santa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BFx8mowfB7-oSzFN_YXQFIzr7NSky6rBsTNJgwjYQoAX1FAG5bRDx8d0t_uRcAwL1IGmnvmfgoJqlUK5nOlrTCQSJayR9_qFcaXCAaKx3vh14ef7lNS5cRA5D3RcxAvqs1Z4oJlxCfmrpMPrLoklw0yvTOVKccb9qZwPKz8bGoSQtkt3UvFG6NtRRtUu/w433-h288/Zippos%20circus%20santa.jpg" width="433" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Immediately following the ensemble opening spectacular, <b>football juggler</b> <b>Rafael de Carlos</b> sets the bar high. The climax of his act sees him drop a ball from the back of his neck, give it a backwards kick with his heel onto the top of his head and from there onto the top of a ball already spinning on one finger, so he has two balls spinning one on top of each other.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The charismatic <b>La Loka</b> puts the circus into a jazzy <b>song and dance routine</b> by flipping onto her hands and performing an <b>upside down tap dance</b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of flipping, the <b>Garcia Sisters</b> put on a stylish display of <b>tumbling</b>, with big squashy <b>gymnastics balls</b> as props. In the climax of their routine, they <b>wow the audience</b> by taking turns to perform a line of continuous <b>forward flips</b> and <b>back flips</b> while holding the balls above their heads and using them as springboards for each flip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The routine begins with one of the sisters performing high in the air on a <b>trapeze hoop</b> before descending to the ground for the gym ball routine. It's an example not just of the versatility of circus stars but of how to <b>seamlessly transition</b> a show between aerial and ground routines.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another example of a good transition is clown duo <b>Mr N </b>and<b> Timoni</b> coming on to 'clean up' the stage with a <b>mop and bucket skit</b> after the <b>bubble blowing</b> act of <b>Joel Farias</b>. Maybe one of them actually was mopping up some sticky liquid spillage at the back while the other came to the front and entertained the crowd with the head falling off his mop, allowing the removal of props while the show continued without a pause.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Vlad and Viktoria </b>blend ground-based <b>acrobalance</b> with <b>aerial straps</b> (performed solo and as a duo) in an engrossing and highly skilled <b>acrobatic ballet</b> set to suitably solemn music.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In contrasting mood is the climatic <b>skipping</b> and tumbling act of the 11-strong <b>Mongolian Warriors. </b>Their tricks include a <b>three-man-pyramid</b> that jumps over the rope as one on one turn of the rope, with the top man performing a solo somersault above the rope on the next turn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The sheer number of performers in the Warriors' troupe is important. A circus ring is a big space under a high roof and on many shows a succession of solo acts can appear dwarfed by it, making the bill as a whole look sparse and threadbare, even if the individual acts are good. Lighting effects often amplify the emptiness of the space, rather than reduce it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A ring full of performers always looks better, giving the impression of a <b>big production</b>. The <b>Mongolian Warriors</b> fill the ring with <b>life and colour</b> and also considerably swell the number of people in the ring during the opening and closing ensemble numbers, adding to the party mood. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Elsewhere in the show, the <b>four dancers</b> in their <b>sparkling Christmas dresses</b>, provide a colourful (but not distracting) backdrop to the tumbling of the <b>Garcia Sisters </b>- and serve a purpose, rolling the gym balls back to the performers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At other points, the <b>clowns</b> and <b>ringmaster Chris Barltrop</b> remain in view at the back of the stage during the acts, <b>reacting to the action </b>- and subtly directing the attention and reactions of the audience. The clowns also lead the giant polar bears around. It all adds to the appearance of a <b>busy ring </b>and a <b>big company</b>, and turns a string of acts into a <b>cohesive show</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The result is not only <b>thoroughly entertaining</b> but a <b>masterclass</b> in how to produce a traditional circus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Zippos Christmas Circus is performing three shows a day at 13:00, 14:30 and 16:00 until 1 January</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-27819754563699452482023-12-01T16:05:00.000-08:002023-12-05T05:40:08.004-08:00Review: Planet Circus OMG<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKvEseRxLASQ5M4DIuloEVXxDQCSDSFiTh1daHE-4kBanj-GT_d4nJyfcg-rg2C5fSNjP5BWqdKniB4Iytx9CofML01ldNuVPrspAG32aooqXH1tfADQh4X4ew7oQtNGLLAK71SpbaRJi4ldFKH_6RBDUC5JK-4Ci4oQUM9qsLQ1X_zCSgJh0o3TM-zb_/s720/Stefaneli%202.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKvEseRxLASQ5M4DIuloEVXxDQCSDSFiTh1daHE-4kBanj-GT_d4nJyfcg-rg2C5fSNjP5BWqdKniB4Iytx9CofML01ldNuVPrspAG32aooqXH1tfADQh4X4ew7oQtNGLLAK71SpbaRJi4ldFKH_6RBDUC5JK-4Ci4oQUM9qsLQ1X_zCSgJh0o3TM-zb_/w417-h278/Stefaneli%202.webp" width="417" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What makes a great circus moment? Sometimes it's a big stunt. Sometimes it's something funny and quirky. <b>Planet Circus OMG!</b> has both, and so does the <b>Duo Stefaneli </b>(pictured above).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I first saw the <b>Duo Stefaneli</b> when I was writing my book, <b>Circus Mania</b>. They were appearing in the <b>Great British Circus</b> in the year that it presented the <b>last elephants to appear in a British big top</b>. In an animal-heavy programme that included the <b>tigers</b> of <b>Martin Lacey Sr</b>, they formed the main acrobatic act, performing <b>daring hangs</b> from a <b>trapeze bar</b> beneath a hovering <b>flying saucer</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the book, I wrote: "It's hard to imagine a more <b>thrilling</b> form of entertainment than <b>Stefan</b> and <b>Neli</b> deliver."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So it was good to see them back with their flying saucer at <b>Planet Circus</b> this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The act seemed higher in the truly towering Planet Circus <b>big top</b> and much better lit, too, with <b>lasers</b> flickering around their <b>alien-themed</b> act.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For me, though, the true <b>highlight</b> of the show was their other act, a <b>quick change routine</b> in which the couple repeatedly changed outfits while momentarily concealed in a raised fabric tube.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Circus acts go in and out of fashion, and quick change seemed to be the <b>flavour of the season</b> on the circus scene in 2023. There were similar acts at <b>Big Kid Circus</b> and <b>Santus Circus</b> this year. The one at <b>Santus</b> was particularly well thought out, being staged as a couple choosing their outfits for a night out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But the Duo <b>Stefaneli</b> gave it a special charm, thanks to <b>infectious electro-Latin dance music</b> and the couple's <b>natural charisma. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The climax saw <b>Stefan</b> tip an umbrella full of <b>golden glitter</b> over <b>Neli</b>'s head. She twirled once in the sparkling downpour and was changed into a new dress before our eyes - a <b>truly amazing illusion!</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If I were them, I would do more of that sort of comedy magic. Not only is it safer than dangling by an ankle and wrist from a flying saucer, but I would say it is a much more <b>engaging</b>, <b>entertaining</b> and <b>memorable</b> act.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52U9iOF8zWKxISAYxa1OfIuzaiNs3ogyvF5PBM8EBGYPufedKhLq_Ex3EfFQhJPkiqfmBSjLNCPnwCJy7Ix1JfayFfyDWrkn7W1xLw5W03-gVLz0YhESy-lLLqfNMMl-0oGMeRS9tfCXC3mLBIOQPvG3vQsuMAokR4YC3KQf1yOLau2ZYKi6VHaEaLI-s/s1080/stefaneli.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="651" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52U9iOF8zWKxISAYxa1OfIuzaiNs3ogyvF5PBM8EBGYPufedKhLq_Ex3EfFQhJPkiqfmBSjLNCPnwCJy7Ix1JfayFfyDWrkn7W1xLw5W03-gVLz0YhESy-lLLqfNMMl-0oGMeRS9tfCXC3mLBIOQPvG3vQsuMAokR4YC3KQf1yOLau2ZYKi6VHaEaLI-s/w433-h651/stefaneli.webp" width="433" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another of the show's most engaging moments was <b>Lukinha the Clown</b> using a balloon 'bow' to fire an <b>invisible arrow</b> at a balloon held above the head of a <b>volunteer</b> from the audience. With everyone watching Lukinha, only the keenest eyed spectator would have noticed <b>German Wheel</b> performer <b>Krisztian</b> lurking in the shadows off stage and reaching out with a pin on the end of a long pole to burst the target balloon at the right moment!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of little things that make a big impact, <b>Jenny Glowacki </b>performed an energetic <b>cloud swing</b> routine to a Celtic rock soundtrack. Cloud swing is another of those in fashion acts that every circus seemed to have this year, and it's a stirring act in its own right. What set Jenny's apart, was her spontaneous shouts of "<b>Whoo!</b>" conveying her <b>unbridled exuberance</b> at swinging through the air. She looked and sounded as excited as a kid on a park swing - and that level of <b>energy</b> was <b>infectious</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The <b>wild look</b> on her face when she finally descended to the ground was a picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An element of personality and engagement with the audience is often missing from circus acts. We may marvel at the feats performed, but we seldom come away remembering the performer as a <b>person. </b>It's why circus has very few star names, individuals who would draw an audience in their own right. Throughout history there has been no more than a handful, and they tend to be <b>clowns</b>, such as <b>Charlie Cairoli</b>, or the present day's <b>Danny Adams</b>, who has been the main draw in the <b>pantomime</b> at the <b>Newcastle Theatre Royal </b>for the past ten years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Performers like <b>Jenny Glowacki</b> and the <b>Duo Stefanali</b> bring a little bit more personality to their routines than most, and I wish more performers would.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCB9W9uMwNfwsMgBV8olRLJ0nlzkiOPBR3MVvQVvZQmGwWJ55eyvGj0RJ8vV-FoOQBe7Tjxzq3ikWR7AuWwmaZPb2fwrHbeMNg4mVE_odJKCNRgWGGiAS8a61_DGluzDjMX1_F9D93KPki6BR6Brvy1QyKC8Xkx4bCCGZDcbenB0bhVoxDlDgPeuC7HNS0/s720/cloud%20swing.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCB9W9uMwNfwsMgBV8olRLJ0nlzkiOPBR3MVvQVvZQmGwWJ55eyvGj0RJ8vV-FoOQBe7Tjxzq3ikWR7AuWwmaZPb2fwrHbeMNg4mVE_odJKCNRgWGGiAS8a61_DGluzDjMX1_F9D93KPki6BR6Brvy1QyKC8Xkx4bCCGZDcbenB0bhVoxDlDgPeuC7HNS0/w465-h465/cloud%20swing.webp" width="465" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A performer who combined the big with the quirky was <b>juggler and strong man, Iran</b>. Juggling <b>hoops</b> and <b>clubs</b> is one thing, but watching a man hurling three heavy <b>car tyres</b> high into the air is truly the sort of unusual sight that you go to a circus to see.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not content with that, he then lay down while a <b>monster truck</b> with blaring horns and headlights was <b>driven over his chest</b>. Now that is circus!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The truck was a star in its own right. When I first saw the <b>Duo Stefaneli</b> at the <b>Great British Circus</b>, you could have your <b>photo taken</b> with an <b>elephant</b> during the interval. At <b>Planet Circus</b>, interval photos were with the <b>big red truck</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Top of the bill was a <b>Globe of Death</b> - an act that I feel has been in fashion a few seasons too long. The first time I ever saw one, it was impressive. But every circus seems to drag one out at the end of the night these days. Even with <b>five illuminated bikes</b> buzzing around inside the spherical cage, like a bunch of angry trapped wasps, as we had here, I find it a bit done to death, and even tiresome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Luckily, the huge height of the <b>Planet Circus</b> tent allows them to go further with a <b>finale</b> of <b>motorbikes</b> racing into the tent, hitting a ramp and <b>flying over the globe</b>, before landing somewhere beyond the ring doors. It's a truly heart-stopping stunt to witness at an indoor show and one that I think is only being done elsewhere at <b>Circus Extrem</b>e (<a href="https://circusmania.blogspot.com/2022/06/circus-extreme-review-britains-biggest.html" target="_blank">read my review here</a>) as few circuses have a tall enough tent to accommodate it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The flying bikes justify the <b>OMG!</b> in the title, although I would prefer them to just have the stunt bikes and not the globe riders. Maybe they could do other things in the show, like jumping through a fiery hoop or leaping over the monster truck. Or maybe a line of them running over Iran.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bits I will remember, though, are the <b>Duo Stefaneli</b>'s quick change routine, <b>Lukinha</b>'s balloon bow and arrow and <b>Jenny Glowacki</b>'s "Whoo!"s on the cloud swing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">Planet Circus OMG! will be presenting its Christmas Spectacular at the Lincolnshire Showground, 12 December to 2 January. For more info <a href="https://planetcircusomg.com/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-50825055528395864262023-11-30T12:49:00.000-08:002023-12-03T03:22:45.647-08:00Review: The Greatest Show On Earth, Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey, 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEj25ol2-3E3KzCSxh4lxC1FsI6Yt8-qIBSlcIB99RkrmrYTrVrVDCB3abd0dDvCpSHbk8bDl4DscV6wTfcbF3b8UMJ9K9YYviHAc8AYZRue_ZUqX729f2wXbRSbyGVVyYPU6vrGQbS859jLM9eEciN1dlC9x9NuxzwWiFPBIegwR6E_2JXlmfq1Bm1Lr/s1920/circus_RinglingDebutsNewShow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEj25ol2-3E3KzCSxh4lxC1FsI6Yt8-qIBSlcIB99RkrmrYTrVrVDCB3abd0dDvCpSHbk8bDl4DscV6wTfcbF3b8UMJ9K9YYviHAc8AYZRue_ZUqX729f2wXbRSbyGVVyYPU6vrGQbS859jLM9eEciN1dlC9x9NuxzwWiFPBIegwR6E_2JXlmfq1Bm1Lr/w450-h253/circus_RinglingDebutsNewShow.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The biggest circus story of 2023 was the return of <b>The Greatest Show on Earth</b>. It's a show with <b>150 years of history</b> behind it. The name is known throughout the world, evoking huge tents with three rings in a golden age of entertainment. Even the names of the men behind it - the <b>Ringling Brothers</b> and <b>PT Barnum</b> - now immortalised on film as <i>The Greatest Showman</i> - are legendary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But history can also be baggage, anchoring a name or concept in the past while the world changes and fashion moves on. By the 2010s, the Ringling show was on the wrong side of history. The <b>elephant parade</b> that was part of its brand belonged to a time when such things were uncontroversial. By 2016 they were the cause of protest, lawsuits and legislation that made them nonviable in the world of commercial entertainment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ringling ditched the elephants but also lost its audience and closed the following year, after 146 years on the road.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Could it come back, after a six year break, with a new all-human look and reclaim its throne as the <b>Greatest Show on Earth</b>?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For me, as a British observer, the show's challenge was filling <b>arenas that seat</b> <b>20,000 people</b>. Not just filling all those seats, but filling a <b>vast performance space</b> more suited to <b>sports events</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In Europe, we're accustomed to the <b>intimacy of the big top</b>. A circus tent that folds snugly around its spotlit ring is a <b>magical place</b> in its own right. Part of the appeal is the <b>closeness of the action</b>. In the front row, the <b>trapeze artists</b> swing over our heads. The <b>clowns</b> are close enough to squirt us with water. We can see the trembling of a straining muscle and the sweat on a performer's brow. Can a man balancing on a <b>rola-rola</b> be as involving when he's a distant <b>stick figure</b>?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've watched the Ringling show several times on YouTube videos shot from various positions in the arena and it's clear that some seats feel a long way from the action. If you're at one end of the arena, a <b>hoop jumping act </b>at the far end is hard to even see, let alone feel the physicality in the way that you would if it was happening just feet from you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the same time, though, arena seating can offer a <b>new perspective</b>. In the highest seats - and the cheapest, perhaps? - you can sit <b>above</b> the <b>high wire artists</b> and look down on them, instead of looking up at them. You can sit at the level of the <b>flying trapeze platforms</b> and watch the flyers swoop down away from you into the well of the arena. It's a refreshingly different angle and might it even convey a greater sense of height than viewing such acts from the ground?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ringling, in any case, was staging shows in three-ring tents this size 100 years ago, and <b>moved into arenas in the 1950s</b>, so they (or <b>Feld Entertainment</b>, to credit the current operators) know how to work the space. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the start of the show, an impressive number of performers run out to fill the arena floor. <b>75 of them</b>, although with all the colour and movement it looks like more. <b>Lauren Irving</b> belts out the <b>stirring and</b> <b>catchy theme song</b>, '<i>Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth</i>' and a blaze of swirling lighting effects quickly whips a <b>substantially full auditorium</b> into a <b>celebratory atmosphere</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The centrepiece of the arena is a raised <b>ring-cum-stage</b>. Shaped like an upturned bowl, it has sloping sides that form a ramp for access and <b>continuously changes colour</b> while displaying <b>moving patterns</b> across all its surfaces. It also has a moving track within its top, allowing some props and performers to revolve while others stand still, and a central disc that can be <b>raised on hydraulic lifts</b> to put the spotlight on a rola-rola or balancing act.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A British circus like <b>Gandeys</b> or <b>Circus Extreme</b> really needs to get one of these illuminated stages, which would look great within a big top, and perhaps even better than it does in an arena.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiR2pof4IDgWIwfUg3NqGNa8DlAa4E0xm2AgOfqnmQsw4SlCB2rWr8ZGp7SvK2eO_DCnc0puP3tQw0v4hb76dyET-dBOBUcWgMp2Fs2jbBB1prBC2gD56NXqvZUP1vvl53wH_0RwaJlnAdX_anIEKyBMBRf-z94U0Av4HCnC7ImDxeUlTCSeq7GUv_gkKF/s2560/Ringling%20skipping.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1739" data-original-width="2560" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiR2pof4IDgWIwfUg3NqGNa8DlAa4E0xm2AgOfqnmQsw4SlCB2rWr8ZGp7SvK2eO_DCnc0puP3tQw0v4hb76dyET-dBOBUcWgMp2Fs2jbBB1prBC2gD56NXqvZUP1vvl53wH_0RwaJlnAdX_anIEKyBMBRf-z94U0Av4HCnC7ImDxeUlTCSeq7GUv_gkKF/w419-h284/Ringling%20skipping.webp" width="419" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are additional raised square stages at each end of the building, which give patrons in the end seats a close-up view of particular acts, such as a very strong <b>skipping act</b>, with several people standing on each others' shoulders while they jump the rope.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The area around the stages is laid out like a <b>skate park</b> that is used to great effect by a team of <b>stunt cyclists</b>, who swarm about, drawing our eye this way and that across the huge space, and turn impressive somersaults as they fly off the scattered ramps.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Comedy is provided by <b>Equivokee</b>, a trio from <b>Ukraine</b>. I'm not going to complain about the lack of <b>red noses</b> and <b>clown make-up</b>, although some <b>traditionalists</b> have. For me, slapstick is about more than make-up, as <b>Laurel and Hardy</b> proved a century ago. The funniest thing on UK TV at the moment is a children's programme called <i><b>Danny and Mick</b></i> which stars <b>Danny Adams</b>, <b>Mick Potts</b> and <b>Clive Webb</b> - the stars of <b>Cirque du Hilarious</b>. They dress as normal people while doing all the old clown routines like the wallpaper routine, and make them funnier than ever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't say that <b>Equivokee</b> made much of an impression on me, but I think that was less their fault than the size of the arena. Clowning works best close up when you can see the facial expressions and the twinkle in an eye, and when the jesters are engaging directly with - or picking on! - the audience. At a distance, the humour evaporates within too much space.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Luckily, the <b>Greatest Show on Earth</b> fields plenty of <b>'big' acts</b> that make good use of the space and height available.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A <b>triangular high wire</b> act by the <b>Lopez Family</b> is apparently a <b>world first</b>. It's such a <b>simple and visually impressive</b> concept that it's a wonder no one has thought of it before. Instead of performers crossing a single wire, there are performers simultaneously doing different things on three wires arranged in a triangle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's an act that would fit neatly above the ring of a big top, and which a UK circus should import, although it comes with additional challenges. According to <b>Maria Lopez</b>, the walkers have to cope with vibrations coming from the other wires.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another big act that perfectly fits the space, and another update on an old theme, is a <b>criss-crossing flying trapeze</b> routine by the <b>Flying Caceres</b>. With two sets of performers crossing paths it literally adds another dimension - depth, towards us and away from us - to an act that usually only draws our eye from side to side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOx2YckHzGXZ7r-bUdY64bKkVyiugOPJObMaq5XNAc3xIc74rkd31ZFaQvn2tYjlTkZzEi0LgRj62mwIoC_3KnQxyUzRkI5L5G49qXucq7X7hG9rVJas-0JMyMl2OHj6v-bfuTqSX8C89AekMj16A5CI4Ivzswq6xns4yGKJ4vMEubhfEi05z65rC9Z0H9/s2560/Ringling%20Wheels.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOx2YckHzGXZ7r-bUdY64bKkVyiugOPJObMaq5XNAc3xIc74rkd31ZFaQvn2tYjlTkZzEi0LgRj62mwIoC_3KnQxyUzRkI5L5G49qXucq7X7hG9rVJas-0JMyMl2OHj6v-bfuTqSX8C89AekMj16A5CI4Ivzswq6xns4yGKJ4vMEubhfEi05z65rC9Z0H9/w389-h259/Ringling%20Wheels.webp" width="389" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The <b>Nevas Troupe</b> perform side-by-side on a <b>Double</b> <b>Wheel of Destiny</b> (a pair of what used to be called the <b>Wheel of Death</b> - because people have died performing it). They make impressive leaps atop the spinning contraptions and the release of <b>fireworks</b> adds to the <b>thrills</b>. One performer makes a daring leap between the two wheels and back again. That is the only moment, though, that two wheels is better than one. I found myself watching only one as it was difficult to watch two at the same time, and that made having two a little pointless. That one leap between them aside, I wonder if it would be better to separate the wheels and have one at each end of the arena, so that everyone would get a better view of at least one of them, rather than confining the pair to one end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of world firsts, <b>Wesley Williams</b> rides the <b>world's tallest unicycle</b> as confirmed in the <b>Guinness World of Records</b>. The <b>34-foot-tall</b> contraption, which is the equivalent of sitting astride a <b>three-storey-tall</b> ladder that isn't resting against anything (and is in fact balanced on a wheel!) puts his head right up among the lights in the roof.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's true that he doesn't ride it very far, just back and forth across the width of the arena. Imagine if he could do a lap of honour around the whole building! He also wears a visible safety wire, but who can blame him?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But what about the <b>absence of animals</b>, which has offended some old school fans? Did I miss the parade of <b>rubber mules</b> that were Ringling's trademark? No, I didn't.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the past, I have championed animals in the big top, and I enjoyed seeing what will probably be the last elephants and <b>big cats</b> to appear in a British circus. But that was a decade ago. The UK circus has almost entirely moved on from animals and, dare I whisper it among circus fans, it's better for it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I began reporting on the circus scene, the industry was up to its neck in the animal issue. There were pickets at the gates and negative press. Even the circuses without animals were compelled to talk about them. The image of the big top was so bad that many people hated circuses without ever seeing one. The ageing proprietors were embattled and embittered. It was no atmosphere in which to stage bright, happy family entertainment. The business was being sucked down like a man dying in quicksand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today, with the animals almost entirely gone, and no one even talking about them anymore, the circus feels like it has been <b>reborn</b>. The shows have a <b>clean, modern aesthetic</b>, with <b>stages</b> and <b>floored seating</b> replacing sawdust and mud. The negative image has evaporated, and audiences bring their kids without having to worry about ethics. The atmosphere in the shows and among a new generation of show-runners is invigorated and forward looking. The scene feels like it's <b>thriving</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The new Ringling show feels like that, too, and maybe enough time has passed for it to find a new audience without alienating its old one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And yet, Ringling hasn't copied <b>Cirque du Soleil</b>, the first big show to pioneer the idea of a circus without animals. <b>The Greatest Show on Earth</b> has not been produced in the style of '<b>new circu</b>s' - a format that once, and perhaps still does, sat apart from the big top kind, with both parties disliking each other in equal measure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ringling has not switched camps. There is no story line here, no theme, no message, no attempt to dress circus up as art. It is a <b>traditional circus</b> - perhaps we could say <b>New Traditional</b> - in the sense of providing <b>colourful spectacle</b> and <b>uncomplicated family fun</b>. It's only aim is to <b>entertain</b>, and it does so in abundance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although the acts aren't linked, they flow effortlessly from one to the next and the feel-good spirit will send you home singing "Welcome to the Greatest Show on earth!" Reader, I've been singing it all week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTeB5k_fUnPnEIx7hF2ZPrgED9LOg7G9gkjMBPjgwayTeZzkS8c-0l_KE7NX-YODLgd9O24-eEa7Cw2RIcbqoBjdRgLxjzSY8Eo64zUiLio5smsIi1_mDC_F1hLAaEpZKiNtWLsgk9bYtjKjW_wqD0w66FssU5mIBSk46cnp2GUtPY1W12Ebc7vuhRirP/s666/Skyler.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="666" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTeB5k_fUnPnEIx7hF2ZPrgED9LOg7G9gkjMBPjgwayTeZzkS8c-0l_KE7NX-YODLgd9O24-eEa7Cw2RIcbqoBjdRgLxjzSY8Eo64zUiLio5smsIi1_mDC_F1hLAaEpZKiNtWLsgk9bYtjKjW_wqD0w66FssU5mIBSk46cnp2GUtPY1W12Ebc7vuhRirP/w394-h296/Skyler.webp" width="394" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The finale is '<b>human rocke</b>t' <b>Skyler Miser</b>. It's a simple act, but one guaranteed to put a smile on the face. As Skyler steps into her <b>cannon</b>, the whole arena chants the <b>countdown</b>: "Ten, nine, eight..." I even chanted it aloud at home: "Five, four, three..."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Boom! Like the <b>immortal spirit of the circus</b>, Skyler flies the length of the arena and lands on an inflatable crash pad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Irving signs off with the company's slogan, which has become the <b>salutation of circus worldwide</b>: "May all your days be..." <b>But wait!</b> Instead of saying, "circus days," she says, "may all your days be Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey days!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Has the image of circus become so tarnished in America that the Felds won't even utter the <b>C-word</b>? The word is conspicuously absent from the description of the show on their website.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a circus, however, and one that deserves to put the shine back on the word. In fact, I would go so far as to say that in 2023 it is currently the <b>Greatest Circus on Earth</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">For tour dates and tickets, <a href="https://www.ringling.com/tickets/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-51781324676211830942023-11-28T13:02:00.000-08:002023-11-28T13:02:10.628-08:00Big Crowds for Big Kid Circus<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvnaCoWol68m1sodGNb5L0xPBmA4R-WJXuLEGbwpQorplGWsPmSWv0b_Sni4khpLonXCdP1ITU2FP-gqR7va4W5RLqUAGQqPEKSCcjS3x1mr8c9tsSArDDhYnVX2rv_rQ_ZJ_KHzSw1mTc_0X-mnmYyqSjVvS1SarSCYgcn0dOkhX9Kxj4AU9H6zoZeLx/s2048/Big%20Kid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvnaCoWol68m1sodGNb5L0xPBmA4R-WJXuLEGbwpQorplGWsPmSWv0b_Sni4khpLonXCdP1ITU2FP-gqR7va4W5RLqUAGQqPEKSCcjS3x1mr8c9tsSArDDhYnVX2rv_rQ_ZJ_KHzSw1mTc_0X-mnmYyqSjVvS1SarSCYgcn0dOkhX9Kxj4AU9H6zoZeLx/w424-h565/Big%20Kid.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A great shot of a big crowd piling into the <b>Big Kid Circus</b>' big top on the last stop of their season in <b>Glasgow</b>, beneath a sunny autumnal sky.</div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-45060026870712836542023-11-28T12:56:00.000-08:002023-11-28T12:56:21.394-08:00The Great Circus of Europe in Al Ain<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45pDMvIY20l3h05ONPUPUAA4zZffrESLlzANCsIDz2snzD1Jg7LeL4jDQkZMRD76quM4hpovK4pATy8NTTLExe6jSev6OjuYADNUJtEXNvjY0w4Ulwm8FYUMgZWJJWU7GVVqeIbsiKYdSW_PNAFqercH8T0WPaFvRwtHM9-ad5gD34JRwUbXsfsu3K0YW/s960/Circus%20of%20Europe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="776" height="571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45pDMvIY20l3h05ONPUPUAA4zZffrESLlzANCsIDz2snzD1Jg7LeL4jDQkZMRD76quM4hpovK4pATy8NTTLExe6jSev6OjuYADNUJtEXNvjY0w4Ulwm8FYUMgZWJJWU7GVVqeIbsiKYdSW_PNAFqercH8T0WPaFvRwtHM9-ad5gD34JRwUbXsfsu3K0YW/w462-h571/Circus%20of%20Europe.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An enchanting shot of <b>Gandeys Circus</b>' overseas unit <b>The Great Circus of Europe</b> in <b>Al Ain</b> in the <b>Arab Emirates</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Meanwhile, back in the UK, <b>Gandeys</b> is presenting the <b>circus-on-ice</b>-show <b>Snowstorm 3</b> over <b>Christmas</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBTePzX7Mq4OWUScJLAGF6-kfc_yk5CMNXxlGtR9-RzdgTZOdRCr0ZKxEUv_mlEGxw-UYjgWJk5o1__rRj5AQJr58e5sJAm19FgjlKkw5CkTE3BEj_8vSJQEtvxOF5lb12m7xSneCzHT8rJBGxHyspxS3RK19Tmm9wipekUPvZK42fMkFzNwPlL7YwMew/s843/Gandeys%20Snowstorm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="843" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBTePzX7Mq4OWUScJLAGF6-kfc_yk5CMNXxlGtR9-RzdgTZOdRCr0ZKxEUv_mlEGxw-UYjgWJk5o1__rRj5AQJr58e5sJAm19FgjlKkw5CkTE3BEj_8vSJQEtvxOF5lb12m7xSneCzHT8rJBGxHyspxS3RK19Tmm9wipekUPvZK42fMkFzNwPlL7YwMew/w452-h452/Gandeys%20Snowstorm.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-52233503060696349852023-09-22T03:34:00.001-07:002023-09-22T03:34:07.191-07:00Cirque du Soleil to set up home in London<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn80LYtSTwn7XRyTK6tooBCIo_O0K3JV4s2IEERGS9UX_eUw5PHKI-xT7m0sYMHSLpICxDmDjmPaBgjs8jveLltjHa6wu_Rwei8TNj7en41TwBMX5wnyO8rD3SypdVykqNb4N-l_H3ic5nHS6R-AW2d9xiIbMezTUU6LpYvvtXiOFCedk88M_XNYEc294Z/s700/Saville%20Theatre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="700" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn80LYtSTwn7XRyTK6tooBCIo_O0K3JV4s2IEERGS9UX_eUw5PHKI-xT7m0sYMHSLpICxDmDjmPaBgjs8jveLltjHa6wu_Rwei8TNj7en41TwBMX5wnyO8rD3SypdVykqNb4N-l_H3ic5nHS6R-AW2d9xiIbMezTUU6LpYvvtXiOFCedk88M_XNYEc294Z/w484-h315/Saville%20Theatre.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Is London about to get a permanent <b>circus building</b>?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Canadian circus giant <b>Cirque du Soleil</b> is in the process of making the capital’s <b>Saville Theatre</b> its UK base.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The theatre, which was turned into a cinema in 1970 has been bought by <b>Yoo Capital</b> which has teamed up with Soleil to restore the <b>110,000 sq ft, grade II-listed building</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Eric Grilly</b>, president of resident and affiliate show divisions at <b>Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group</b>, said “We see a <b>unique opportunity</b> to bring back live entertainment to a beloved venue with fresh content and new ideas.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Lloyd Lee</b>, managing partner at <b>Yoo Capital</b>, said, “Yoo Capital is thrilled to have the opportunity to restore the theatre’s original purpose as a live performance space in partnership with the world’s most reputable live performers, <b>Cirque du Soleil</b>, who have chosen to explore the potential for the Saville to be their first ever permanent experience in London.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Before circuses travelled in big tops, they were staged in temporary or permanent buildings. The grandest was <b>Astley's Amphitheatre</b>. Known throughout upmarket society simply as <b>Astley's</b>, the landmark venue was mentioned in novels by <b>Charles Dickens</b> and <b>Jane Austen</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The last circus building still in use for its original purpose is the <b>Yarmouth Hippodrome</b>. But London may be about to get a new one.</div><div><br /></div></div><p> </p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-65899037959345367292023-09-20T14:49:00.002-07:002023-09-21T03:19:25.976-07:00Pablo Fanque, Britain's first Black circus proprietor, gets blue plaque in Leeds<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNTo-e_Wc1WlekGCrxBJwgXBwfTyi5dbYBmDk-AHjKtpMN1TpCUYosxZYQLfSAW6-MPBdhqc02OQCa-w3ZRV9J1aQHxxYtgpnju5_fGRtaJmSD3IhfLQGnSrtYJXURVkOiAkdytLwauwTH0qa-DBuJFZVnRo6bPzPZt8gVaeTwWI_PJxaPyyqjt0Zt2zc/s1158/Pablo%20Fanque%20Plaque%20c.%20Mike%20Bettney.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1158" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNTo-e_Wc1WlekGCrxBJwgXBwfTyi5dbYBmDk-AHjKtpMN1TpCUYosxZYQLfSAW6-MPBdhqc02OQCa-w3ZRV9J1aQHxxYtgpnju5_fGRtaJmSD3IhfLQGnSrtYJXURVkOiAkdytLwauwTH0qa-DBuJFZVnRo6bPzPZt8gVaeTwWI_PJxaPyyqjt0Zt2zc/w427-h424/Pablo%20Fanque%20Plaque%20c.%20Mike%20Bettney.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There aren't many <b>blue plaques</b> dedicated to circus performers, but there are now at least <b>three</b> devoted to Britain's - and probably the world's - first Black circus owner, <b>Pablo Fanque</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One is on the wall of the <b>John Lewis</b> store in <b>Norwich</b>, close to where Fanque (real name William Darby) was born in <b>1810</b>. A second is at <b>Sheffield's Castlegate</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The latest plaque has been unveiled on a Leeds shopping centre close to where Fanque was buried in <b>1871</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fanque's wife <b>Susannah</b> was killed in Leeds when an amphitheatre owned by him collapsed in 1848. Although Fanque later remarried, it was his final wish to be buried alongside her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_5HWwIM-g7dAxTOmIWHT8rXcX6hvLr0xB5h1iRP150oFhbnkMGVLn6tyDS6OKMG8Q1uCT-cnF3zbq3Rm8-mlVOp7_NgAri5jfDu8sSAYnazYZWHR0Xf2Nn169XTB7iVKkuXxs-MD3vnsMlLLbsJMWmTDk6ecT3Ruq5Iti7LUVbKfvnV36FCHhxI5Fw6B/s4000/Chris%20Barltrop%20unveils%20the%20Pablo%20Fanque%20Plaque%20in%20Lands%20Lane,%20Leeds.%20Civic%20Trust%20Heritage%20week%20event%2016.09.23%20PIC%20Ros%20Bissell.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_5HWwIM-g7dAxTOmIWHT8rXcX6hvLr0xB5h1iRP150oFhbnkMGVLn6tyDS6OKMG8Q1uCT-cnF3zbq3Rm8-mlVOp7_NgAri5jfDu8sSAYnazYZWHR0Xf2Nn169XTB7iVKkuXxs-MD3vnsMlLLbsJMWmTDk6ecT3Ruq5Iti7LUVbKfvnV36FCHhxI5Fw6B/w422-h317/Chris%20Barltrop%20unveils%20the%20Pablo%20Fanque%20Plaque%20in%20Lands%20Lane,%20Leeds.%20Civic%20Trust%20Heritage%20week%20event%2016.09.23%20PIC%20Ros%20Bissell.JPG" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The plaque was unveiled on 16 September by <b>Chris Barltrop</b> dressed as <b>Philip Astley</b>, assisted by <b>Shawn Ashworth</b> dressed as Fanque and <b>Deborah Sanderson</b>, from the <b>Urban Angels</b> aerial group, dressed as Fanque's wife, Susannah.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speeches were given by <b>Jane Taylor</b>, Chair of the <b>Leeds Civic Trust</b>, and circus historian <b>Dr Steve Ward</b>, who played a large part in getting Fanque honoured.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The ceremony was witnessed by 100 onlookers plus BBC and ITV local news crews.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Later in the afternoon, Barltrop performed his play <i><b>Audacious Mr Astley</b></i> at the nearby <b>City Varieties Theatre</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The real life Astley had introduced circus to Leeds with open-air performances there in 1773.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For more information on the story of Pablo Fanque, <b><a href="http://circusmania.blogspot.com/2013/07/pablo-fanque-britains-first-black.html" target="_blank">click here</a></b>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-75109961718041911022023-06-06T13:13:00.000-07:002023-06-06T13:13:09.720-07:00Laurel and Chaplin: The Feud, Preview<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="367" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cznsy0ko1rE" width="442" youtube-src-id="cznsy0ko1rE"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A promo video has dropped for <b>Laurel & Chaplin: The Feud</b>, and what a hoot it looks, combining classic slapstick routines with an intriguing true story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Long before <b>Laurel and Hardy</b>, <b>Stan Laurel</b> worked with another comedy giant, <b>Charlie Chaplin</b>. They toured America together for three years and shared a room on the road.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then, after Chaplin was talent-spotted by <b>Keystone Studios</b> and catapulted to silver screen fame, they <b>never spoke to each other again</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To find out what happened, catch <b>Laurel & Chaplin: The Feud</b> at London's <b>Cambridge Theatr</b>e on Monday nights from 24 July to 28 August and <b>Blackpool Winter Gardens</b> from 30 August to 2 September.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-52690752152578088172023-05-15T07:29:00.000-07:002023-05-15T07:29:35.189-07:00Vulcana by Rebecca F. John - The Story of a Victorian Strongwoman<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-f4GXdEwEDXWvABTTHQE5sNqbWWqjRfgZfuPZPD7BtFqU-kaCWGr5iuOQPhgBHUNATShFnSW28gRxzQuklMaLCrxLEzSmxfE0hzs5bIcOjb3HHLlgUSzFboYyBDrIQSZhA2S7Rf4E4TGEPDk-bqcNJ10p9mm54_R1RSCi6Kde0EV4-BQvODIUYW5MQ/s2339/Vulcana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2339" data-original-width="1524" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-f4GXdEwEDXWvABTTHQE5sNqbWWqjRfgZfuPZPD7BtFqU-kaCWGr5iuOQPhgBHUNATShFnSW28gRxzQuklMaLCrxLEzSmxfE0hzs5bIcOjb3HHLlgUSzFboYyBDrIQSZhA2S7Rf4E4TGEPDk-bqcNJ10p9mm54_R1RSCi6Kde0EV4-BQvODIUYW5MQ/w343-h528/Vulcana.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you're looking for some summer reading, then this could be the book for you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Miriam Kate Williams</b>, better known as <b>Vulcana</b>, was a Welsh <b>strongwoman</b> who toured the <b>Victorian music halls</b> with <b>William Hedley Roberts</b>, better known as <b>Atlas</b>, as <b>Vulcana and Atlas</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They billed themselves as brother and sister although they were actually lovers and Roberts was married to another woman.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YwGCrWbI2OzkdkaE524_dvMoW1_ilkGtFNMrMtdfNvtdSkCE1pdu33dSM2V0qTZUEyIVEA7ZCt7FTPjuPITkun77awXssOCZ0BOwJKkNhcv3qAFLqcR3FKaj9IDTsheArUhN2ZnDfJMA5RLVsZJ-Zan1ffMfVu_B9pbYbDtaG8jKKvkH7WjehLi5qA/s750/Vulcana1900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="608" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YwGCrWbI2OzkdkaE524_dvMoW1_ilkGtFNMrMtdfNvtdSkCE1pdu33dSM2V0qTZUEyIVEA7ZCt7FTPjuPITkun77awXssOCZ0BOwJKkNhcv3qAFLqcR3FKaj9IDTsheArUhN2ZnDfJMA5RLVsZJ-Zan1ffMfVu_B9pbYbDtaG8jKKvkH7WjehLi5qA/w327-h404/Vulcana1900.jpg" width="327" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Their true story has now been turned into an enthralling atmospheric novel by <b>award-winning</b> short story writer and <b>Costa-nominated</b> novelist <b>Rebecca F. John</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Find out more on Amazon, <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vulcana-Rebecca-F-John/dp/1912905809" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</div> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-60003367657220331462023-05-12T13:23:00.008-07:002023-05-12T13:23:56.394-07:00Why did Stan Laurel hate Charlie Chaplin? A new show, Laurel and Chaplin - the Feud, will reveal all!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQXUiBuVPFkVjsOfYv_yklbPVLld_lbnG0v3UaTxW3eibYDAsgl9Icf0wxnfVbZEZ_LeRK4-CbFqwaMZD-ZYZKQncH9JegsBuR4HwKbkd2HPA_b5jGzarQoBOBkyeyvZJ5PhfC85MUhlFY-iyp73cz6AWl-V_yxlMgD-EwwH2a8i86emZfrSkheYo9w/s372/Laurel-Chaplin-Sepia.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="372" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQXUiBuVPFkVjsOfYv_yklbPVLld_lbnG0v3UaTxW3eibYDAsgl9Icf0wxnfVbZEZ_LeRK4-CbFqwaMZD-ZYZKQncH9JegsBuR4HwKbkd2HPA_b5jGzarQoBOBkyeyvZJ5PhfC85MUhlFY-iyp73cz6AWl-V_yxlMgD-EwwH2a8i86emZfrSkheYo9w/w473-h344/Laurel-Chaplin-Sepia.webp" width="473" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some shows just have a fantastic premise and <b>Laurel & Chaplin - the Feud</b> sounds like it's going to be the <b>must-have ticket</b> of <b>this summer</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mixing a <b>dramatic play</b> with <b>slapstick comedy</b> and <b>circus skills</b>, the show tells the true but little-known story of how two of the big screen's greatest funny men - <b>Stan Laurel</b> and <b>Charlie Chaplin</b> - began their career as <b>roommates</b>, touring the <b>music halls</b> with showman <b>Fred Karno</b>... until something went wrong.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Created by <b>Jon Conway</b> and starring his son <b>Jordan Conway</b> as Chaplin, and <b>Matt Knight</b> as Laurel, the show's <b>all-action routines</b> were honed during 200 performances at <b>Butlins Holiday Resorts</b> as the <b>Crazy Comedy Company</b>, before an acclaimed appearance on the <b>Edinburgh Fringe</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Catch the show at <b>London's Cambridge Theatre</b> from <b>24 July</b> to <b>28 August</b>, and at <b>Blackpool Winter Gardens</b> from <b>29 August</b> to <b>2 September</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For more info and bookings, <b><a href="https://jonconwayproductions.com/laurel-chaplin-the-feud/?fbclid=IwAR1hfX8DEX_Mw5XMB_eu69dr53KlJBV6N5X7xYYWM_0meO62qGZZPtTER5w" target="_blank">click here</a></b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxeZLVOVZ3MtY5wBRfjbc7bYokyWVAVfr2VXE6mXaUGu054Z446izYRZIaLtSKKqX3dIqnRQXcPM3xp-blhBv-Q2DGJEQ4mbZh_KknZ9HwwD62u_JxUoir1nosFCqIoYXt-FHXJMSUq_OlxEL-pgxo82M2wTNxdd4SnyfkThkD_rN5hvO3f6q6igxhQ/s827/Laurel-Chaplin-Poster-2.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="584" height="541" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxeZLVOVZ3MtY5wBRfjbc7bYokyWVAVfr2VXE6mXaUGu054Z446izYRZIaLtSKKqX3dIqnRQXcPM3xp-blhBv-Q2DGJEQ4mbZh_KknZ9HwwD62u_JxUoir1nosFCqIoYXt-FHXJMSUq_OlxEL-pgxo82M2wTNxdd4SnyfkThkD_rN5hvO3f6q6igxhQ/w382-h541/Laurel-Chaplin-Poster-2.webp" width="382" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-87845525643477337262023-05-06T13:45:00.001-07:002023-05-07T03:14:34.558-07:00Is this the best circus act in the UK today?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AngqidWQ5aqx9rUtEKPi9M_pJPP-MRapURt73ghvwKU9brJY50nURUYNFT4R11jh6uED9J_yYGli8fCrJ5SLiKkyRmoTxZtMxRDHgZkcvNwFtc7BfvGbouZXaHM7huVNbbzNeRMFoapfqG4cYxP1-5flwLcX_KQy6E-heztO0Ly1XcmLHsb4OKOw_w/s843/Alex%20the%20Fireman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="843" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AngqidWQ5aqx9rUtEKPi9M_pJPP-MRapURt73ghvwKU9brJY50nURUYNFT4R11jh6uED9J_yYGli8fCrJ5SLiKkyRmoTxZtMxRDHgZkcvNwFtc7BfvGbouZXaHM7huVNbbzNeRMFoapfqG4cYxP1-5flwLcX_KQy6E-heztO0Ly1XcmLHsb4OKOw_w/w446-h446/Alex%20the%20Fireman.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Alex the Fireman</b> Photo credit: <span style="text-align: left;">Bina Fellowes Photography</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last year, <b>Circus Fantasia</b> boasted of having the only <b>human cannonball</b> in the UK that season. This year, they have one of the most entertaining acts I have ever seen in a circus ring: <b>Alex the Fireman</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">His antics on a <b>huge revolving ladder</b> have everything you could want from the big top in a single act. Slapstick comedy, hair-raising, death-defying acrobatics, fire, water pistols and enough personality to have everyone in the audience joining in with pantomime-style shouting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Alexandru Lupu</b> is not a newcomer. He's done the same act on other circuses including <b>Zippos </b>and<b> Paulos </b>(where the above picture was taken). But if you haven't seen it, this is one act worth making a special trip to <b>Circus Fantasia</b> to see. And if you have seen him before, you'll want to see him again, because this is an act that does not get old.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The fact that Fantasia retains a <b>live band</b> when most circuses use recorded music definitely adds to the effect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tip: book a <b>side view seat</b> for the best view of Alex spinning backwards on his ladder.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Tmv7TTJ9LmF3P--Sg3ZP2UMxQIOSHQ8_wCjrbgtPPWnYgSX5YkkcOhePWfRppZiiXrRm4Smg4tQDhQDcpGjLkGjEOtTYmhUAD9ujoY3vZaM6LG0JWzsoFCLRxoA1S0nmEOdu7DfGbrsPAyKn7fnZFZZAPYP5P1NxZ8eNA5AQCfbiAz8ZaRlJvZ_CeA/s1187/Fantasia%20poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1187" data-original-width="843" height="503" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Tmv7TTJ9LmF3P--Sg3ZP2UMxQIOSHQ8_wCjrbgtPPWnYgSX5YkkcOhePWfRppZiiXrRm4Smg4tQDhQDcpGjLkGjEOtTYmhUAD9ujoY3vZaM6LG0JWzsoFCLRxoA1S0nmEOdu7DfGbrsPAyKn7fnZFZZAPYP5P1NxZ8eNA5AQCfbiAz8ZaRlJvZ_CeA/w357-h503/Fantasia%20poster.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-8113489152610186332023-05-02T12:43:00.002-07:002023-05-05T14:55:00.317-07:00Pinder's Circus, the show with 200 year's of history, comes to Hasland, Derbyshire<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjFzsSjvi36vxk8tCBqvQufqvZaoh5ZuNyMOr5R9zRD7O3EtepFrpkzBW_ujEgQZdqnjNLci2MVs3uGxg0bU0gJGIqsXbLbyswgHO3Bj1RXnGZPqKl54ySHNudxd_bGRdqLFKLkd-OlVACbufhVfX4LWAv-lFQF3z5LG2UpL66H1LlcOoBXDl7dfDmQ/s1124/Pinders.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="843" height="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjFzsSjvi36vxk8tCBqvQufqvZaoh5ZuNyMOr5R9zRD7O3EtepFrpkzBW_ujEgQZdqnjNLci2MVs3uGxg0bU0gJGIqsXbLbyswgHO3Bj1RXnGZPqKl54ySHNudxd_bGRdqLFKLkd-OlVACbufhVfX4LWAv-lFQF3z5LG2UpL66H1LlcOoBXDl7dfDmQ/w403-h537/Pinders.jpg" width="403" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love this picture of what looks like the perfect traditional family circus - and it's a show with more than the usual share of tradition behind it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Pinder's Circus</b> is probably the oldest name on the circus block, dating back to the <b>1850s</b>, when it played before <b>Queen Victoria</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The current show is run by husband and wife clowns <b>Eddy and Erika Pinder</b>, whose family have been in the circus business for more than <b>200 years</b>, along with ringmaster <b>Mike Lea</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNWIv8e1l-PqtORabSBve-3U48e5upOsVV50MT32tImoiTcv2rKQBE7z4JtLdL42uV0envBFhmcSq3bftvBupwM1g2XGGA7_KXlZynFki-HOoGB7B37bGZU8qRBLaGtFRB-K4bA9g79i_josNOa4RR2bGV3lPmu7T5ymJVQj2a6Zf9HQ6cfniRsEPzA/s492/Pinder%20lorry0001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="492" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNWIv8e1l-PqtORabSBve-3U48e5upOsVV50MT32tImoiTcv2rKQBE7z4JtLdL42uV0envBFhmcSq3bftvBupwM1g2XGGA7_KXlZynFki-HOoGB7B37bGZU8qRBLaGtFRB-K4bA9g79i_josNOa4RR2bGV3lPmu7T5ymJVQj2a6Zf9HQ6cfniRsEPzA/w151-h100/Pinder%20lorry0001.jpg" width="151" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://circusmania.blogspot.com/2013/05/two-hundred-years-in-circus.html" target="_blank">Click here</a></b> to read more about the history of <b>Pinder's Circus</b>, and check out my book <b>Circus Mania</b> for a full chapter on it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywXoXeG4kCSR3XQrwJIsITrIrpyguLPfIvdRdWG5aMlrcsyGUTdcjBZX1weYwp0JvQkj7FrenZHXY_TP53RnSZgfcDOa1GhEVDn38Z16ZW9xMdm8GqRDKZqvt89SLh5LV2ELjMgt_Fn2hsWAfBP7VyTYxcx2X0JeQfWdVNLjURwI1kI1c_DKOuJ9H7g/s320/Clown%20Car.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="320" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywXoXeG4kCSR3XQrwJIsITrIrpyguLPfIvdRdWG5aMlrcsyGUTdcjBZX1weYwp0JvQkj7FrenZHXY_TP53RnSZgfcDOa1GhEVDn38Z16ZW9xMdm8GqRDKZqvt89SLh5LV2ELjMgt_Fn2hsWAfBP7VyTYxcx2X0JeQfWdVNLjURwI1kI1c_DKOuJ9H7g/w416-h273/Clown%20Car.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The Pinder's Circus Clown Car</b></div><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIB4KFpu7oR6ezjFeOEuOh2fOGdtD_pVfjdWGReth3P6w7gkBBSrKH-bqPgtQXn-Ts9ilAHH_b_a5Kw_s2ZTS_DehyR-ijn-7ilNCJ-gHLjrfwqvosxyISqLnsUGmwvx6Eo4jXL6jndGrJOCgp5EugI-5ObFPLxY6FFa8Irl7rRPQy-IvMRJU2vYNew/s960/pinders%20poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="911" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIB4KFpu7oR6ezjFeOEuOh2fOGdtD_pVfjdWGReth3P6w7gkBBSrKH-bqPgtQXn-Ts9ilAHH_b_a5Kw_s2ZTS_DehyR-ijn-7ilNCJ-gHLjrfwqvosxyISqLnsUGmwvx6Eo4jXL6jndGrJOCgp5EugI-5ObFPLxY6FFa8Irl7rRPQy-IvMRJU2vYNew/w379-h399/pinders%20poster.jpg" width="379" /></a></div><br />Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-61408383407517981582023-05-01T09:27:00.000-07:002023-05-01T09:27:24.491-07:0010 Years of Circus Funtasia<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_NcPoma7Tn0PEeJJkFMzukzcxJwtleLTUx3R5Bjl-DLgohu15mVL0t1nsLgEl23Dr6b6vDomB6-hO2eTSn8HsXyvtgQmqkKy61aAHqT7K5LsroOGcjYxJlp8At0KP6-WkI64yyty-BKBSKS5y2A4Eco8xSK8gfhsPjEepo1ItijMvHV_5F-cenj1jQ/s4000/Circus%20Funtasia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="4000" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_NcPoma7Tn0PEeJJkFMzukzcxJwtleLTUx3R5Bjl-DLgohu15mVL0t1nsLgEl23Dr6b6vDomB6-hO2eTSn8HsXyvtgQmqkKy61aAHqT7K5LsroOGcjYxJlp8At0KP6-WkI64yyty-BKBSKS5y2A4Eco8xSK8gfhsPjEepo1ItijMvHV_5F-cenj1jQ/w462-h308/Circus%20Funtasia.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Congratulations to <b>Circus Funtasia</b>, celebrating it's <b>10th Anniversary</b> year with a <b>Completely Sold Out</b> show in <b>Crewe</b> today.</span></div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-86980241704948269592023-04-24T10:43:00.001-07:002023-04-24T10:46:57.789-07:00Death of a Strongman, Khalil Oghab, Father of the Iranian Circus<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSR6mmuqguBDkW6LksGXM-fjAsmBDo-ir0kFXrQuks4PKfg5wyw10ABDdvlMsaH24Alx_sppEj5eLxCI2ZmUl2ZtmHeEDrD9nHO2V0tc3S-0qVKHqCErNd9Uurznb2hYx1HBsXxuesOlaZVtMfQJwGqvScn4vD7ZSbWrdL2ZzSjI4HaD0x_bHXBCMKA/s493/khalil%20truck.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="493" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSR6mmuqguBDkW6LksGXM-fjAsmBDo-ir0kFXrQuks4PKfg5wyw10ABDdvlMsaH24Alx_sppEj5eLxCI2ZmUl2ZtmHeEDrD9nHO2V0tc3S-0qVKHqCErNd9Uurznb2hYx1HBsXxuesOlaZVtMfQJwGqvScn4vD7ZSbWrdL2ZzSjI4HaD0x_bHXBCMKA/w455-h370/khalil%20truck.jpeg" width="455" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When <b>Gerry Cottle</b> passed away in 2021, I naturally called his long time associate <b>'Doktor' John Haze</b>, founder of the <b>Circus of Horrors</b>, for some insights into Cottle's career.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Haze attributed Cottle's success to some of the unique acts that featured in <b>Gerry Cottle's Circus</b>. In particular, he singled out strongman <b>Khalil Oghaby</b>, who would stand on a platform and lift a baby elephant - a feat for which he is still in the <b>Guinness World of Records</b> today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ironically, just a week after Haze left this world (<b><a href="http://circusmania.blogspot.com/2023/04/rip-doktor-john-haze-of-circus-of.html" target="_blank">more info here</a></b>), Oghaby has passed away at the <b>age of 98</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Known as the <b>Hercules of Persia</b>, Oghab (whose name was spelt Oghaby in the UK) came to fame by staging <b>Iran's first strongman shows</b>. As many as <b>50,000 people</b> would pay to watch him toss weights over his head with his teeth and allow buses and trucks to drive over him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTt0GK4R9kD-QHlxlyROs3mdxjoTKca1nIuq9cyrw5ZFrJfGNemTswfsnLbPL0g_tSdRTcBpJCcuHIEwoB7yGUA2yFsizpVvQBUfJKaPNR-9ZQWgAZQC_HYLy-rm4QHPkGbub2nFMqNyrmp8m1rb5owLrEFINeaXtdmT65Irmbg2LMVbuG6-_G0i5Nw/s932/Khalil%20poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="631" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTt0GK4R9kD-QHlxlyROs3mdxjoTKca1nIuq9cyrw5ZFrJfGNemTswfsnLbPL0g_tSdRTcBpJCcuHIEwoB7yGUA2yFsizpVvQBUfJKaPNR-9ZQWgAZQC_HYLy-rm4QHPkGbub2nFMqNyrmp8m1rb5owLrEFINeaXtdmT65Irmbg2LMVbuG6-_G0i5Nw/s320/Khalil%20poster.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><br />In the 1970s, Oghab starred in <b>Duffy's Circus</b> in <b>Ireland</b> and then Gerry Cottle's Circus in the UK, where he also appeared in the Saturday evening TV show <b><i>Seaside Special</i></b>, broadcast from Cottle's big top.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cottle called him, "Probably the best act I ever had."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In 1991, Oghab returned to his homeland where he founded the country's first circus and became known as the <b>Father of the Iranian Circus</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://circusmania.blogspot.com/2010/01/gerry-cottle-tour-2010-first-of-all-big.html" target="_blank">For more on this story, read the Gerry Cottle Story, here.</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-16295419255292262422023-04-16T04:24:00.002-07:002023-04-16T15:54:21.380-07:00RIP Doktor John Haze of the Circus of Horrors<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQFU06zq_UScVSL8rJVomcKtbGza848jqLroexusOU347_7lmlfBGQ8dRJOst_WvSoVBGD1TKn0y-W4M_yCvVfaIfCBJTnJC8Nvw1oHCWy9eMioZt3uBdL6CxvbK6n3Q3LxaAoDIlUNnMT7jRzeB9n0yHIrFzUo7loUx2pL8hpmnOcVJKFp-jMtQT5A/s1600/DMcP%20with....jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQFU06zq_UScVSL8rJVomcKtbGza848jqLroexusOU347_7lmlfBGQ8dRJOst_WvSoVBGD1TKn0y-W4M_yCvVfaIfCBJTnJC8Nvw1oHCWy9eMioZt3uBdL6CxvbK6n3Q3LxaAoDIlUNnMT7jRzeB9n0yHIrFzUo7loUx2pL8hpmnOcVJKFp-jMtQT5A/w444-h298/DMcP%20with....jpg" width="444" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The late Doktor John Haze (right) with Gerry Cottle (left)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>and Circus Mania author Douglas McPherson</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I received the sad news this morning of the death of <b>Doktor John Haze</b>, founder of the <b>Circus of Horrors</b> and director of Britain's biggest big top show, <b>Circus Extreme</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Haze had a storybook life. Abandoned on a circus as a baby, he was brought up as a fire-eater in the big top. He later left the sawdust circle to form a band, then combined rock music and circus tricks to create the <b>Circus of Horrors</b> in partnership with <b>Gerry Cottle</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As well as performing as singing ringmaster in the Horrors, Haze handled publicity for the <b>Chinese State Circus</b> and <b>Moscow State Circus</b>. Following the retirement of circus mogul <b>Brian Austen</b>, Haze became director of <b>Circus Extreme</b> and <b>Continental Circus Berlin</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like Cottle, Haze was a master of the publicity stunt and frequently got the Horrors into the national news or on the front page of <b>the Su</b>n with far-fetched stories. He achieved several <b>Guinness World Records</b> and took the Horrors onto TV on <b>Britain's Got Talent</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On stage in white face makeup, he played a demonic character, but off stage he was a gentle person. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An example of his generosity was attending the launch party of my book <b>Circus Mania</b> at the then <b>Circus Space</b> (Now <b>National Centre for Circus Arts</b>) where he and Cottle signed books for circus fans. </div><p><br /></p><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">Read my review of Circus Extreme <a href="http://circusmania.blogspot.com/search?q=extreme" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></b><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">Read my exclusive interview with Brian Austen, the 'secret showman' <a href="http://circusmania.blogspot.com/2010/06/secret-showman-meet-mr-big-of-british.html">here</a>.</span></b></p><p><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUj47p1K9MHcY4Gd-4Df-BI34U9lmpnGSMsnPoECrKF4-2EpE1OGE0gXETFgNpQGhjbAdRrgVg7IKzavfchr3TFA6ArkbhZuUc2mbChslCRFY25DeKSycKc55zwwWN3PJOlRiZTfX-EX4o3qwOqzwg4ymTs39Su8XLc6AQqbCqJhSPGHAVwA5wQhKkjQ/s883/Stage%20photo0001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="706" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUj47p1K9MHcY4Gd-4Df-BI34U9lmpnGSMsnPoECrKF4-2EpE1OGE0gXETFgNpQGhjbAdRrgVg7IKzavfchr3TFA6ArkbhZuUc2mbChslCRFY25DeKSycKc55zwwWN3PJOlRiZTfX-EX4o3qwOqzwg4ymTs39Su8XLc6AQqbCqJhSPGHAVwA5wQhKkjQ/w106-h133/Stage%20photo0001.jpg" width="106" /></a><b>And read the story of the Circus Mania launch party <a href="http://circusmania.blogspot.com/2014/01/how-organise-book-launch-and-create.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></b></span></div><p></p><p> </p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-21988353843932523202023-02-08T16:07:00.005-08:002023-02-08T16:07:51.335-08:00Packed Theatres for Cirque - The Greatest Show <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFIE6AgwDdkP_aSt8zWKmq4ZXkE-OwaZoReU8H24WDSxIep3IOCPb8mgHZIINMjwI2SNFz5C3sbKXjP7mYwbUyOUrZ6AiFkoMHa6lsqVL-yKsIVxXqXxTegKra90-wb_W7EueSbpSmNPD37-jsFCBqKoldMAoYUvsutxFIXqYcIsRNrYYGC2Y3kgozw/s2048/Cirque%20Guildford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFIE6AgwDdkP_aSt8zWKmq4ZXkE-OwaZoReU8H24WDSxIep3IOCPb8mgHZIINMjwI2SNFz5C3sbKXjP7mYwbUyOUrZ6AiFkoMHa6lsqVL-yKsIVxXqXxTegKra90-wb_W7EueSbpSmNPD37-jsFCBqKoldMAoYUvsutxFIXqYcIsRNrYYGC2Y3kgozw/w411-h308/Cirque%20Guildford.jpg" width="411" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Cirque - The Greatest Show</b>, which mixes circus with the songs of musical theatre, is reporting full houses as it embarks on its year-long tour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The above is <b>Guildford</b> and below is <b>Bromley</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BfQUe4fB5TBHiYRw_775mW37j32s2eDugU85DWG4IHn3HVPh2gIXiYBuSDx34dVNILmg6A--x2rVgFT504Apee01yL-vjsC3DVeo-nJitBWvS2oxHWBzym_LVykQhemfVr-OTcNDU4V1jaqWHqbt58eKzUymIxGVp_4hJm-R9e5TO2EH-UtwohjBMg/s843/Cirque%20Bromley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="843" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BfQUe4fB5TBHiYRw_775mW37j32s2eDugU85DWG4IHn3HVPh2gIXiYBuSDx34dVNILmg6A--x2rVgFT504Apee01yL-vjsC3DVeo-nJitBWvS2oxHWBzym_LVykQhemfVr-OTcNDU4V1jaqWHqbt58eKzUymIxGVp_4hJm-R9e5TO2EH-UtwohjBMg/w403-h371/Cirque%20Bromley.jpg" width="403" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045599197167432183.post-1301979239276525292023-01-16T06:23:00.000-08:002023-01-16T06:23:53.347-08:00RIP Gina Lollobrigida, star of Trapeze<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tiGdzk-LQk92HrNO0XJdO-BFaW9o9rMVhvECce8dFdOGy7-XB1YBgOgMn2q9ZiGEvGUSiyDMEgzbgLgOhBTF7Nh36Y99ecYmiA1YNGnwQ8cGy95wlwCtc6FS-3d7wk9y1C5PmhCfMVEtvW59OP3KvCdGqRpXCttlvh-fUZA4_zp8Uv7v4D9hGCpm7A/s976/Trapeze%20poster.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="976" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tiGdzk-LQk92HrNO0XJdO-BFaW9o9rMVhvECce8dFdOGy7-XB1YBgOgMn2q9ZiGEvGUSiyDMEgzbgLgOhBTF7Nh36Y99ecYmiA1YNGnwQ8cGy95wlwCtc6FS-3d7wk9y1C5PmhCfMVEtvW59OP3KvCdGqRpXCttlvh-fUZA4_zp8Uv7v4D9hGCpm7A/w477-h367/Trapeze%20poster.webp" width="477" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sad to hear that Italian screen legend <b>Gina Lollobrigid</b>a has passed away at the age of 95. Among her many roles, Gina starred with <b>Burt Lancaster</b> and <b>Tony Curtis</b> in one of the greatest circus films ever made: <b>Trapeze</b>. You can read my review of it <a href="http://circusmania.blogspot.com/2012/07/trapeze-starring-burt-lancaster-tony.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDphbB0ctGJoiRba2Y9sO5OFS0ANlFCKpMpMZau6wDBLWteoaU7NBH3PGZ0tZPlzw8io7lNfeaq0U0NGKYpNZO6fkgr0JcFcyz8d24zJye7QbjeaU2sezddz2GJjZZdye0ISkgIO0c3MrEsvW0uNBcjlBPuvagj7V1ZZkzsaHVxVG4TSoF4NUtUnGAtA/s1024/cap007.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDphbB0ctGJoiRba2Y9sO5OFS0ANlFCKpMpMZau6wDBLWteoaU7NBH3PGZ0tZPlzw8io7lNfeaq0U0NGKYpNZO6fkgr0JcFcyz8d24zJye7QbjeaU2sezddz2GJjZZdye0ISkgIO0c3MrEsvW0uNBcjlBPuvagj7V1ZZkzsaHVxVG4TSoF4NUtUnGAtA/w478-h268/cap007.bmp" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Gina in Trapeze</b></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div> <p></p>Douglas McPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07109848560445125859noreply@blogger.com0