THE BALLOON MAN

NORTH WEALD: Circus seeks glamorous star to join its magic act

By joshua farrington editorial@gazettenews.co.uk

FIVE shows a week, 40 weeks a year, travelling in a fleet of 35 juggernauts to entertain thousands of cheering fans – but one thing is missing.
The famous American Circus is looking for a glamorous star to complete its cast and take on the role of a magician's assistant.
Over the past week, the travelling circus has been camped at North Weald Airfield, delighting families from across the area.
For ringmaster Matthew Wingate, life as part of a circus may be unconventional, but it is the only life he knows. He said: "I love life in the circus, but I was born into it and don't know any other way.
"People should jump at the chance to be part of it though – it's quite a rare opportunity."
One of the circus' star acts, the Trio Chicago magic group, is looking for a new assistant as they travel across the length and breadth of the country.
Mr Wingate, 24, said: "It's a fantastic job.
"It would be best suited for a woman with a performing or cabaret background, but anyone who is fit and fairly athletic is welcome to apply."
However, he warns that life on the road performing from February through to October is not all bright lights and adoring crowds.
"There is a huge amount of fun being in the ring and performing, but outside of that there is still a huge amount of work to do," he said.
"We are quite comfortable though, we don't live in rickety caravans any more, they're more like travelling flats with all mod cons. It's a very nice way to see the country."
The circus attracts many fans just to see the trucks themselves, as the brightly decorated lorries move like a mobile village in a circuit around the UK.
This is the first time the circus has stopped in North Weald, and Mr Wingate says they have been well received. He said: "I always like it when the circus comes down south, and this is the first time we've been here.
"We've been very comfortable though."
If running away with the circus sounds like a dream you would like to make come true, contact the circus at info@americancircus