Circuses are better than ever.. and it's thanks to shows like Britain's Got Talent, says ringmaster Norman Barrett
from: dailyrecord.co.uk
By Beverley Lyons
Jul 2 2012
IT'S been dragged through the sawdust and been a whipping boy for animal rights activists but the draw of the circus is proving hard to resist.
Thanks to TV talent shows and parents looking for family-friendly days, the circus is back, bigger and better.
Tickets are selling fast in some of Scotland’s big tops and even Edinburgh Festival is getting in on the act, hosting their first International Circus Festival.
Travelling shows under legends such as PT Barnum and Billy Smart have always been magnets for fun-seekers around the world, but their reputation was tarnished and their existence threatened by political correctness, bureaucracy and animal rights activists.
According to Norman Barrett, aka The World’s Greatest Ringmaster, who has worked with Blackpool Tower Circus, Robert Brothers Circus and now Zippos Circus, the struggle is nothing new.
Norman, 77, said: “Circuses have always led a rollercoaster existence.
“When my dad started his circus in the 20s they were right at the top, then they went down when movies started.
“They dipped further when TV came to the fore but are experiencing a resurgence through the popularity of shows like Cirque du Soleil and Britain’s Got Talent. Young people and teenagers come along realising it’s good, clean family entertainment, not childish.”
Norman entered the ring in 1948 and, while some circuses still employ animal acts, Zippos only has domestic animals – horses, ponies and budgies.
Norman said: “Circuses have changed to fit in with modern expectations. The seating is better, the lighting is better, the sound is improved and we have heaters and a cooling system in the tent. We are proud of how we look after our animals here.
“You have an easier life if you are an acrobat or juggler than if you are looking after any type of animal.
“You’ve got to be there 24/7 because the horse has to be given proper attention, for example.
“We’ve been inspected and checked by the Scottish SPCA and tick all the boxes.
“It has also been proven any animal that has its brain developed will live a more fulfilled life.”
Most circuses in Britain have changed for the better and audience numbers are up.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/editors-choice/2012/07/02/circuses-are-better-than-ever-and-it-s-thanks-to-shows-like-britain-s-got-talent-says-ringmaster-norman-barrett-86908-23903344/
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