Roll up, roll up Northam, Hudson’s Circus, Australia’s largest big top will be arriving in town next week.
Bringing a modern twist on the traditional circus, Hudsons features performers from around the world, as well as animal acts, all presented by renowned ringmaster Shane Lennon.
The show involves a variety of animals, including three camels, who were rescued from a culling program.
Animal handlers Belinda McGahan and Rob Joyes said it was important the animals are all happy and healthy.
“We have had most of our animals since they were about 12 months, so we spend a lot of time raising them and getting them used to the circus environment,” Mr Joyes said.
“It’s different for each animal, they all require different things.
The circus is where I belong, I love to entertain people
- Rob Joyes
“But they will only perform if they are happy, which is always our ultimate goal.”
Other animal acts include six welsh mountain ponies, two water buffalow, three lamas and a Brazilian macaw.
Ring Master Shane Lennon has been involved in the circus his whole life.
“My family has been running circuses since 1893,” he said.
“I absolutely love it, I did run away and have a normal life for a little while, but I didn’t like it.
“The circus is where I belong, I love to entertain people.”
Mr Lennon spends 11 months of each year travelling with his wife, Nancy, a Canadian trapeze artist and their three children.
“We encourage everyone to come down and see what we have to offer,” he said.
We also have around ten children travelling with us – so they love it
- Ring Master Shane Lennon
“We have 40 people here all working hard to make sure audiences have an amazing time.”
Mr Lennon said there are 14 people in the show, but 40 people on site including children and support staff.
He said growing up in the circus is very different now compared to when he was a child.
“When I was travelling with my family there was no Facebook or internet, so it could get a bit lonely,” he said.
“Now my children can keep in contact with people they meet.
“We also have around ten children travelling with us – so they love it.”
When the family is not on tour, they are based in the Gold Coast.
Mr Lennon said the circus show is traditional with a few flashy extras.
“It is a classic circus show, with a modern twist,” he said.
“It’s the traditional circus experience but there is lighting, sound and comfortable seating!”
The circus will be set up at Jubilee Oval for shows between Wednesday, November 8 and Sunday, November 12.
For more information or to order tickets visit hudsonscircus.com.au or check out the Hudson’s Circus Facebook page.
