A friend of the Circus: September 2010

Saturday, 25 September 2010

Cage acts at the Monte Carlo Circus Festival

Rene Strickler Pumas

Moira Orfei Tigers with Massimilliano Nones

Embel Riva Tigers with Roberto Belluchi

Gerd Siemonet white tigers

Tom Dieck

Monday, 13 September 2010

Inger Stevenson, Superdome Circus 1992

Following an incident which put Norman Barrett out of action for a short time. Inger took over the role of Ringmistress at the Superdome. Inger, the daughter of Ernie (Clown Noe Noe), featured regularly at the family run Stevensons Crown Circus, at the Lowther theme park in the lake district, presenting animals from Mary Chipperfields' resources.

Towards the end of the 1996 Superdome season, Inger took over presentation of all of the animal acts, to allow Suzanne Chipperfield, to travel to France with her mixed cage group, for an engagement with Cirque Alexis Gruss.

Wednesday, 8 September 2010

Peter Jays' Superdome Circus, Blackpool

Traditional circus (with animals) ended at Blackpool Tower at the end of the 1990 season. Peter Jay invested heavily in continuing a show with animals on Blackpools Pleasure Beach from 1991 to 1996. The structure was built by Italian manufacturer Canobbio, and the metal framework was 36 x 26 x 12m. It was made of double skinned plastic, white on the outside and blue inside. Due to the fact that the 'tent' was suspended there were no poles to 'get in the way'.

The superdome had a spectacular ring entrance, designed by Andy Walmsley, and had a seating capacity of 1200 using seating blocks of individual 'bucket' seats. The ring fence came from the old Belle Vue circus and was 11.5 metres in diameter. A large stable building, caging and exercise areas was provided for the animals.

The superdome had a unique atmosphere, helped by the presence of Norman Barrett, and some very good shows were produced. The show and several of the acts won awards from the Circus Friends Association of Great Britain.