Is the Circus
for children or are children just a good excuse to go? I’d say the latter in my
own experience. It’ll cost you a massive
box of popcorn and an over priced flashing twirly thing to keep them quiet. Not
too big a drink though as you don’t want to miss the best bits queuing for the
porta loo. Luckily my daughter is all grown up now and she sat nice and quietly
throughout with no popcorn or gadgets.
The Ring Mistress, Yasmin Smart,
Granddaughter of the very well known Billy Smart, announced the message,
“Sit
back and forget about your worries for the next two hours.” How true that was
when we were presented with a whole new set of worries like, O.M.G! I hope
those flying trapeze guys up there know what they’re doing. OH yikes please
don’t let go of that spinning flame in my direction and what no safety net! It
was actually awesome.
It opened with
very talented artist Jonny Bogino, I’m not going to call him a clown as that
conjures up images of oversized shoes, bright orange hair, weird make up and a
bright red nose. We all know what I’m talking about here. Jonny was far more
subtle and animated like a silent movie star. He was plainly dressed and
emanated stage presence without looking ridiculous. Finally the circus has
realised that traditional clowns are pretty gruesome. He entered the ring and
opened a big story book. A brief history
of Billy Smart’s Circus appeared on a screen as it is the most famous in Britain
especially in the 1960’s and 70’s. Then
everyone in the circus came on in colourful costumes for the grand opening
performing acrobatics, dancing and traditional juggling. It was magical to see.
The show was literally crammed packed with jaw dropping acts
that caused me to gasp in amazement as well as sigh with relief when they
finished. Although very traditional it contained original new stunning acts I’d
never seen.
The Asadullin Troupe of Russian
acrobats so casually took to the ring defying gravity as they performed
summersaults off a springy pole catching one another as they catapulted through
the air onto not one but two people standing on top of each other. Not only did
they do this with confidence and ease but they entertained us with humorous dance
moves.
Then the beautiful swinging
trapeze artist Miss Caroline performed a really graceful solo at the top of the
tent, with no safety net. I held my breath as she hung from the back of her
neck and spun. I mean, what if she had sneezed of something!
Germaine entered the ring on a
fine motor cycle assisted by the great Indian Spirit. She lay back in the seat
and proceeded to juggle with her feet, slowly to begin with and then at great
speed. First it was with a big tube, then a cube, large silver balls by which
time she was juggling with her hands at the same time and last of all, a circle
with flames.
Next we were enthralled by the
dazzling Alina who danced inside the
frame of a cube dancing and twirling an acrobatic display on the floor until
the cube was lifted high up to the centre of the tent.
Jonny Bogino took over with a
little bit of fun to stop you noticing the set change taking place. Then I saw
probably the most original circus act ever. Team Fonz was the name. They were
bouncing on a trampoline in and out of the windows and on top of a retro
American diner to the theme music from “Happy Days” Marvellously choreographed;
brilliantly timed. They looked weightless as they hung in the air with their
feet touching the side of the building.
In the second half the Flying
Aces flew through the air on the flying trapeze. It struck me how important every
second was as they had to catch each other whilst tumbling and spinning. This
was a crowd silencing act and the tension was tangible in the whole tent.
Next, Indian Spirit and Germain
entered with drums and Argentinean Bolas. Indian spirit was a large guy with
long dark hair and a moustache. He spun the Bolas rhythmically to the music and
tapped his feet. This was entertaining enough but then when the two of them
took the flaming bolas and accidently lit the carpet which he dismissively
stamped out whilst continuing to spin fire! Well that was just crazy.
The Xtreme Brothers came into the
ring in white trousers and that was all. I have to say, I think there must have
been a lot of mums in the audience judging by the reaction from the crowd. Yes
they were very toned and sculpted torsos but when we saw what they could do it
was understandable. They performed horizontal lifts slowly and controlled. When
I say upside down, sideways and in all directions I actually mean it.
This was the greatest show on
Southsea Common and well worth going to. Not one single act was mediocre, they
were all amazing and highly polished. Some
small children in the audience were not as awe struck as I was. This is simply
because they aren’t yet aware of adult limitations, hence the money making
gadgets to amuse them. When we left there was spilt popcorn just about
everywhere in the parent’s futile attempts to keep them occupied during the
show. However I am sure many of the older children appreciated the magic of the
circus as much as I did.
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