THE BALLOON MAN

From: Denzil McClaren
ArtSpoken & Reviews 
Popcorn, candyfloss and circus
Jennifer de Klerk
12/15/2012

 

If you plan to take the kids to Gold Reef City these holidays, and last Saturday it seemed all Joburg was already there, don’t miss the circus.

McLaren’s Circus offers a fast-paced hour of entertainment in the Hippodrome twice a day, at 12 noon and 2.30pm, with popcorn and candyfloss, although I missed the traditional smell of sawdust.

There’s plenty of variety, high skill level and none of the acts last long enough to become uninteresting. Colourful spangled costumes, lighting effects and pulsating music sweeps one through the show.

 

Among the best acts are the acrobats, the three men who spin around a pole and dive through fire and the girls who swing daringly on trapeze and drapes.

These days most circuses put the accent on human skills, but this one offers animal acts too. I admit to mixed feelings about seeing Bengal tigers in the ring, but without doubt they are magnificent creatures.

Easier to handle are the cute little dancing ponies and a boa constrictor that doesn’t do much more than twine, well, I don’t suppose boa constrictors are usually the life of the party.

The kids loved the clown whose main role in life seemed to be to annoy the ringmaster. Some juggling and fire-eating and a master of illusion who waves dramatically while turning dancing girls into tigers complete the cast.

What it does, it does well. For children and adults who have not seen circus before, it will be magic, and certainly worth taking a break from the rides.

The rest of the park was buzzing with most of the big rides � Anaconda, Jozi Express, Golden Loop, UFO, Raging River, in full operation. The “Bear with Us” signs were up on a couple; pity they could not all be working on the first real day of the holiday season.

For the rest, you take your chances in the queues, and on Saturday they were long. Otherwise, Gold Reef City is still good value for money with plenty to see and do, eat and drink.

Entrance to McLaren’s Magical Circus is free part of your ticket to the park until January 6.