Page 32 - The Outdoor Showman JAN-MAR 2020

CIRCUS NEWS
Perfect Storm
If the gods had planned it, they couldn’t have planned it worse: drought for up to seven years, worst bushfires in living memory, floods in four States, and then a global pandemic, Coronavirus.
It doesn’t get any worse than that.
But you know what? Circuses survived.
With a combination of good planning, experience, good advice, technology, adaptability, rat cunning and sheer good luck, they’ve outlasted the worst of it, the Perfect Storm.
Coronavirus is the worst part. Most circuses’ takings are down at least 30 per cent. In Chinese-dominated suburbs, it’s almost a wipe-out. Big-spending Chinese families are staying home, and there’s even an undeserved backlash against nationals of our largest trading partner, from redneck locals.
The insults will pass, but long-term effects mightn’t. Let’s all make Asiatic people feel welcome, and the future will brighten up.
Meanwhile, soldier on with a smile, as showbiz, and particularly Circus, people do. We’re made of tougher stuff!
Stardust Circus
Stardust Circus saved the day, in the NSW South Coast bushfires.
Showing at Ulladulla, they found the Evacuation Centre, like 100,000 local people, had no power for cooking, cleaning or housing about 500 evacuees.
Ringmaster ‘Warnie’ Adam St James, raced the big power unit, housed in an un-missable Stardust truck, and plugged it in - the only electricity for 100kms in any direction.
Saved the day. TV and newspapers included it in all their bushfire stories.
But the fires got worse; 90,000 hectares wiped out all around them. Stardust did free shows for the trapped evacuees, many of whom had lost farms, homes, livestock and livelihoods, and were traumatised, depressed and badly affected by smoke.
Stardust had to can nine weeks of bookings all over the South Coast; as soon as roads opened, they high-tailed it to Nowra and Shellharbour for two weeks, audiences down because
of the fires.
Then the monsoon floods came. Audiences still down. Lindsay Lennon hopes things will improve around Sydney.
Moscow Circus
Big program attracting good houses at Broadbeach (Old Italian-Australian Club) and Coomera, despite drought and then mild flooding. Mark Edgley and Geoff Weber running a big operation. Highlights include three motorbikes in the Globe, big trapeze troupe, excellent unusual aerials, charming pony drill and top solo clown Wallison Muh. Tight production means no gaps between acts.
Below: Sensational high-wire act at Moscow Circus
Silvers Circus Lennon’s Circus
Above: Pictured at Launceston, Silvers new custom-designed Italian Big Top and foyer tent
30 THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN