THE BALLOON MAN

The circus is roaring in to town

28th March 2011

IT roars, laughs and performs – it’s the Stardust Circus. The circus will be wowing the crowds at the Gladstone Showground from Thursday, March 31 to Sunday, April 3. The 16-year-old entertaining extravaganza boasts being Australia’s largest animal circus. Stardust Circus owner Janice Lennon said the circus remained traditional, while many of its counterparts deviated from the classic performance. “We’ve got performing lions, ponies, (horses and) monkeys,” she said. Mrs Lennon said the circus also had jugglers, crazy clowns, a flying trapeze, dynamic aerialists and a 10 person Hungarian teeter board act. Mrs Lennon told the Gladstone Observer the performers were families who had been in the circus industry all their lives. “It’s like a really good family,” she said. Mrs Lennon said they were now bringing up the next generation of performers. "Some of them (the children) do their schooling by correspondence,” she said. Mrs Lennon told the Gladstone Observer the best part about being in the circus was being able to travel around the country. “You get to visit different towns every week and it’s just good,” she said. The circus travels on 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks, semi trailers and many four wheel drives all towing caravans and equipment trailers. Following its stint in Gladstone, the circus will be off to Rockhampton. While in Gladstone, Mrs Lennon said they were expecting up to 4000 people through the gates over the course of the few days. So to be in the audience, hurry and book some tickets now. The best seats in the house – ringside – cost $32 for adults and $20 for children. Elevated chairs cost $28 for adults and $18 for children. The gallery, or general admission, costs $24 for adults and $14 for children. To book, call the Harbour Newsagency and Copy Centre on 4972 6480 or visit the store at 69 Goondoon St, Gladstone. Bookings can also be made online at www.stardustcircus.com.au. For more information contact the circus on 0418 247 287 or visit the circus’ website, which is listed above.