Living the Circus Life: The Age-Old Profession Passed Down Through Generations Within the Majestic Tent
In the world of juggling, unicycles, and death-defying stunts, a life under the big top is more than just a career for Thomas - it's a way of life. Together with his equally daring wife Collette (who designs their eye-catching costumes and first joined the circus as a teen), they've spent decades mesmerizing audiences and rolling with the punches on the road. Their captivating story is one of tradition, adaptability, and the undying spirit that ties families together, even when suspended high above the ground.
These days, the couple tours with Circus Fantasia, a vibrant stage shared with performers from all corners of the globe. They're passing the torch, so to speak, sharing their passion for the circus with the next generation. Intrigued, we chatted with Thomas to delve deeper into his extraordinary life on the road - from his earliest balancing acts to the unique highs and lows of circus life today.
Seasoned performers with a legacy
Curious about the circus blood flowing through their veins, we asked:
Q1: How many generations of circus experience does your family boast?
A: Four, my grandmother was a ballet teacher who ran away and married the circus strongman, and that's how our family tradition began.
The first performance: a curious memory
Wishing to uncover nuggets of memories from the past, we inquired:
Q2: Can you recount your very first live performance?
A: In honesty, I can't remember it vividly. I was only about three years old, and I'm sure I was standing on my father's head while he was perched atop my stepmother's shoulders. With a mouth accordion in hand, I played tunes as the curtain went up. Although I recall being on stage, the exact beginning of my performance escapes me.
Notable moments and cherished mementos
Delving further into their remarkable career, we explored highlights and landmark events:
Q3: Are there any standout moments or memories from your career that you'd like to share?
A: Absolutely! Winning "Audience Favorite" at Cirque Educatif in Reims, France, was a significant moment for us. Another fond memory was when a friend of ours - the recipient of an exquisite costume designed by Collette - won the "Best Dressed Act" at a festival held in Liege, Belgium. Notable experiences like these have been a part of our unforgettable journey.
Throughout their career, the couple has performed on numerous television shows and appeared in various productions, including "Noche de la Pirámide" in Spain, "Coliseu dos Recreios" in Lisbon, and even on TV in Denmark. They've graced the screens alongside famous hosts like Noel Edmonds and Mr. Motivator in the early hours of the morning (don't worry, Thomas wasn't awake!).
One memorable performance on "Don't Forget Your Toothbrush" with Chris Evans had Thomas spinning the Wheel of Death as Chris was securely tethered to one end. Excited, he declared it an "amazing" experience!
A life less ordinary
Eager to delve into the intricacies of life in the circus, we pursued more insights:
Q4: What would you say describes circus life?
A: For me, circus life is a lifestyle I was born into - a curious and unique path that leads to meeting people from diverse cultures. It's a far cry from staid normality, as one morning I might find myself punting with clowns, a cannon man, and other circus folk in Cambridge. Or, perhaps having a conversation in multiple languages, as we did the day our punter marveled, "There are so many languages going on here!"
For Collette, joining the circus was a conscious decision she made at age 17. Instead of going straight to university, she took a gap year to immerse herself in this extraordinary world. Today, Circus Fantasia is a melting pot of nations, bringing together artists and performers from across the globe and refreshing their repertoire each year.
Behind the scenes: the preparations and pitfalls
Keen to uncover the workings of a circus show, we inquired about the immense efforts involved:
Q5: What goes into the production of each show?
A: Contrary to popular belief, every little bit of the production doesn't just happen spontaneously. There are countless hours spent fine-tuning costume designs, rehearsing routines, and ensuring every act is polished to perfection. For a single performance, the crew might have 18 different costume changes, from the opening routine to the grand finale.
In, say, a 60-minute show, only 10 minutes might involve actual performances. There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes, and the hard work is always worth it when the curtain goes up!
Daring moments and close calls
Seeking tales of mishaps and misadventures, we pried further:
Q6: Have there been any terrifying moments or close calls throughout your career?
A: Certainly! One particularly unforgettable moment was when Collette was struck on the head by the Wheel of Death during a performance with Circus Valerie. Luckily, she recovered, but it served as a stark reminder of the risks involved in this, our chosen profession.
The excitement of stepping into the ring
Finally, we asked Thomas about the thrilling aspects of his job:
Q7: What do you enjoy most about your work?
A: For Thomas, it's all about the thrill of performing in the ring - it's living life in a very real way. Even when the crowd is small, the smiles or laughter of one person is incredibly rewarding. After the hardships of COVID, seeing audiences come together and laugh again is a testament to the power of entertainment and the resilience of the human spirit.
Additionally, the opportunity to travel is a huge bonus. Whether discovering hidden gems in small towns like Cambridge or immersing themselves in new cultures and cities, each day brings unexpected wonders and unforgettable memories.
Travelling companions and fellow artists
Finding common ground with the performers they travel with, Thomas shared his sentiments:
Q8: What is it like living and working alongside fellow artists and performers as a family?
A: It's truly a wonderful experience. When audiences see us perform and learn that we are a family, their faces light up with curiosity and amazement. This unity, both on and off the stage, brings people together and fosters a feeling of camaraderie.
The close-knit community of circus performers supports and looks out for each other, creating an environment that fosters not just spectacular performances, but lasting friendships as well.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Passing down their love for the circus, Thomas and Collette have instilled a passion in their children and are encouraging them to continue the tradition. With the next generation in mind, we asked:
Q10: Would you encourage the younger generation to carry on the family legacy?
A: Absolutely! This world is one filled with opportunities, from variety shows to theatre productions, commercials, and advertisements. There is always something new to explore and learn when making a career in the circus.
A love story for the ages
In conclusion, we couldn't help but ask Thomas about the bond he and Collette share:
Q9: What's it like working together as a couple, especially given the challenges the circus world presents?
A: Despite the traditional image of a circus as a tumultuous and unstable environment, the reality is different for Thomas and Collette. Their lives on the road, filled with shared experiences and a common purpose, have only strengthened their love for each other. Working together as a couple has proven to be a fulfilling and rewarding experience, as they continue to journey through life's wonders under the watchful gaze of the big top.
1. In the midst of their captivating life under the big top, Thomas and Collette are instilling passion in the next generation by encouraging them to carry on the circus tradition.
2. Their remarkable journey together is not just about performing death-defying stunts and mesmerizing audiences, but also about sharing a lifestyle that encompasses entertainment, sports, and a unique way of living.
