Published Date: 02 January 2010 By Shelagh Parkinson
FROM the big top to Buckingham Palace!
Blackpool-based circus ringmaster Norman Barrett was delighted when he heard he had been awarded an MBE for services to the entertainment world in the New Year Honours List.
He is the first ringmaster to receive an honour, but the 74-year-old entertainer says the accolade recognises everyone who has helped make circus the art form it is today.
He said: "I was very surprised because over the years, although the circus is an art form, we have always missed out on awards like this.
"So to be included means I'm absolutely thrilled for myself and for everyone in the circus industry to be recognised in this way. The good thing about circus is that it's coming back again. With the greatest respect, television isn't what it used to be and people want to go out and see live shows.
"We are performing to more teenagers than ever before."
Norman started performing when he was 12 and joined the Bertram Mills Circus in 1959 where he rose from animal presenter and trainer to senior ringmaster.
He came to Blackpool Tower Circus in 1973, where he appeared with the legendary clown Charlie Caroli, and became famous as the ringmaster as well as for his unique comedy budgie act which sees the birds play on slides and roundabouts.
He said: "I have very fond memories of the Tower Circus and of working there with the great Charlie Caroli. The Tower Circus is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world."
Mr Barrett still lives in Blackpool, but is currently performing with his budgie act in Frankfurt, Germany. Then he will rejoin Zippos Circus on its tour this summer.
He added: "I love every moment of what I do. My wife and I don't spend a lot of time in Blackpool because we are always going here and there.
"But we both have fun going to these places. There are two real hams left – me and Ken Dodd. We just love to entertain!"
Martin Burton, founder of Zippos Circus, where Mr Barrett has been ringmaster since 2001, said: "Norman, with his inimitable style and showmanship, is recognised across the globe as the world's greatest living ringmaster.
"People in the circus industry are very rarely recognised for their achievements, the role they play within the community and the pleasure they bring to so many. This award is long overdue for Norman and a triumph for the circus as a whole."
He is the first ringmaster to receive an honour, but the 74-year-old entertainer says the accolade recognises everyone who has helped make circus the art form it is today.
He said: "I was very surprised because over the years, although the circus is an art form, we have always missed out on awards like this.
"So to be included means I'm absolutely thrilled for myself and for everyone in the circus industry to be recognised in this way. The good thing about circus is that it's coming back again. With the greatest respect, television isn't what it used to be and people want to go out and see live shows.
"We are performing to more teenagers than ever before."
Norman started performing when he was 12 and joined the Bertram Mills Circus in 1959 where he rose from animal presenter and trainer to senior ringmaster.
He came to Blackpool Tower Circus in 1973, where he appeared with the legendary clown Charlie Caroli, and became famous as the ringmaster as well as for his unique comedy budgie act which sees the birds play on slides and roundabouts.
He said: "I have very fond memories of the Tower Circus and of working there with the great Charlie Caroli. The Tower Circus is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world."
Mr Barrett still lives in Blackpool, but is currently performing with his budgie act in Frankfurt, Germany. Then he will rejoin Zippos Circus on its tour this summer.
He added: "I love every moment of what I do. My wife and I don't spend a lot of time in Blackpool because we are always going here and there.
"But we both have fun going to these places. There are two real hams left – me and Ken Dodd. We just love to entertain!"
Martin Burton, founder of Zippos Circus, where Mr Barrett has been ringmaster since 2001, said: "Norman, with his inimitable style and showmanship, is recognised across the globe as the world's greatest living ringmaster.
"People in the circus industry are very rarely recognised for their achievements, the role they play within the community and the pleasure they bring to so many. This award is long overdue for Norman and a triumph for the circus as a whole."
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