Page 23 - The Outdoor Showman July-September 2020

RODEO NEWS
numbers of Inflatables to Australia has died on the Gold Coast, aged 85.
John Charles Lawson, Lawson Kastles, with an engineering background, was
a generous innovator in everything he did; he changed the way Australia dealt with inflatables, fairy-floss machines, and magic presentations.
With Roz, his wife of half a century,
he played the Clubs of Sydney in their heyday, as Lawsoni the magician, from their base at Baulkham Hills, NSW. Roz died after a long illness , in October, 2018.
His close friend, Arthur Coghlan, the legendary magician, who ran the Magic Castle at Miami, Gold Coast, for several decades, received an ovation after he gave an impressive eulogy before about 50 mainly-showbiz friends, on Tuesday , August 4th.
At the newly-expanded Currumbin RSL Club, Arthur’s daughter, Helen, another International magician, just back from performing a World Tour that ended after Covid19 hit America, highlighted John’s career with slides and commentary. Another ovation.
Speeches included former staff of Billsboroughs, the Sydney canvasmakers who built many of Australia’s canvas tents and repaired some of the first inflatables and blowers.
Those celebrating John’s life included several magician members of Queensland Magic Circle, which John founded, and the other magic groups that became his passion on the Gold Coast.
Guests included Natalie Weber, whose family had known the Lawsons for more than 40 years.
Circus Royale stuck in Bayswater North after being forced to shut down due to coronavirus
If you think lockdown at home is tough, spare a thought for the members of Circus Royale. They’ve been living
in caravans on a muddy block in Melbourne’s outer east for four months after coronavirus halted their tour. They’ve been stuck on a muddy block for four months — but the performers from Circus Royale are still training and trying to take lockdown in their stride.
The circus, which has been going for 49 years, is grounded in Bayswater North and was halfway through its season when the coronavirus hit hard in March. It’s 33 performers — including 22
from overseas — are living in caravans
surrounded by horses, camels, geese and dismantled circus equipment they normally use for thrilling acts.
The situation is starting to get desperate — owner and ringmaster Damian Syred estimates he’s spent about $200,000 on power, rent, food and a small allowance for his performers, most of whom are ineligible for Jobkeeper payments.
Columbian brothers Samir, Saret and Sarius Leon have kept practising their high-line show despite the circus being grounded. Picture: Josie Hayden
He’s opened a canteen on weekends to try and stay afloat, and is selling equipment and trucks after it became too costly to keep them registered.
“We’ve been selling off a bit of equipment we don’t need to try and cover costs for most of the things,” Mr Syred said.
“I don’t think anyone was prepared for this, it’s just really disappointing and we feel like we’ve been forgotten and the government doesn’t seem to appreciate this industry.”
German acrobat and dancer Lena Knipping, 21, said her gumboots had become essential with puddles of water and mud forming on the block on the corner of Canterbury and Dorset roads.
Despite the tough conditions, she said she’d kept herself occupied by trying different training routines and sewing outfits for other performers.
“I feel stuck, but I think the whole world feels stuck at the moment,” Ms Knipping said.
“We try our best to make every day a good day, and train as much as we can.”
Mr Syred said he had been buoyed by the support of neighbours and people who had visited the site and donated food and other items.
But he hoped a white knight could help the circus eventually get back on the road.
“It’s something I’ve worked so hard
to build up, and the risk of potentially losing it all because of something that wasn’t our doing is a bit devastating,” Mr Syred said.
By John MacDonnell
“When charities ask for tickets and
we go to towns hit by floods or fires,
we always try and do shows to raise money and give back to the community, and now it feels like we need a bit of
a hand.”
Performer Lena Knipping and Circus Royale’s owner and ringmaster Damian Syred have been grounded in Bayswater North for four months. Picture: Josie Hayden. Credit: Maroondah Leader.
Long wait to re-open
‘Infamous’ has re-opened in Townsville, but for most circuses, there’s little prospect of opening before New Year. It’s the Covid19 virus.
Joseph (Pepe) Ashton opened cabaret- circus ‘Infamous’ in the spiegeltent
on Friday, August 28, after four long months’ isolation.Before they trekked 800 kms from a property at Susan River, between Maryborough and Hervey
Bay, Queensland, they held a weekend of shows, to thank the Homestead and locals who had hosted them.
It was also a shake-down for the new production, which adds Mark and Tim Matusek, ex-Circus Oz’s Ian Richardson, and a big new ballet (composed mostly of dancers from the Gold Coast, where venues are still closed.)
No Business
For other circuses, there’s no business like no business, as Incredible Hungarian Bobby the clown said.
Lennon’s, Moscow, Silvers, Stardust, Hudson’s, Weber’s, Royale, and Eroni’s don’t see themselves back on the road until at least New Year. Neither do most travelling showmen, all doing it tough.
Fate dealt a huge blow on September 1st, when Victoria’s Parliament passed legislation through both Houses in one day, isolating the State for up to another six months.
Circus staff and performers are doing what they can to turn a dollar.
Dennis Lennon
Lifelong showman Dennis Lennon died overnight, Thursday, 30th July, after a long illness. Dennis was a son of Les Lennon, adopted brother of Bill (Mick) Lennon, who died in 1978.
THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN 21