THE BALLOON MAN

Pure silliness


 

CLOWNING AROUND: Ringmaster Attila Endresz tries to take Clumbsy The Clown in hand at John Lawson's Circus
Isle of Thanet Gazette
Friday, March 09, 2012
ROLL up, roll up, the circus is coming to town. John Lawson's Circus rolls into Ramsgate again next week ready to set up the big top at its usual ground, nestled between Haine Road and Manston Road.

John Lawson's Circus, which uses no animals in its show, has won the Best Small Circus In Great Britain award four times and is designed to appeal to all ages. It has been starting its nationwide tours in Ramsgate for about 13 years.

Although health and safety regulations, the escalating cost of diesel and the tough financial climate make it increasingly difficult to take a circus on the road, John says there is no other life for him.

He said: "When things are hard, people say 'let's go and enjoy ourselves' so we try to help with that and keep the prices reasonable.

"People might not be able to afford Alton Towers but they could afford to come to the circus and have a great time."

This year's new programme features ringmaster Attila Endresz battling to control a show full of crazy capers from Clumbsy The Clown and Nerus, who tries to balance on a swaying lamppost.

John, 50, who was a clown and juggler himself until about seven years ago, believes that clowns go a long way to explaining the enduring appeal of circuses.

He said: "They appeal to young children, or the child in us adults, because of their pure silliness.

"Also, a clown says or does things that children would love to do. They challenge authority and we love them."

The show runs from Wednesday until Sunday, March 18 and features acrobats Angel Bojilov on the slack-wire; Ivan and Vala Digtchev on the low-wire; and Aaron Darnell on high wires in the big top roof.

Other breathtaking acts include sword and dagger balancing with Miss Claire-Marie; Western-style knife display with The Navadas, from Hungary; plus juggling, acrobatics, magic and, new this year, Spider-Man, who will be swinging around high off the ground.

Performances are at 4.30pm and 7.30pm Wednesday to Friday, March 14 to 16, 2pm and 5pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday. Tickets cost £8 or £6 for both performances on the first day.