GREATEST Showman fans take note – the circus is coming to town.
The Hugh Jackman musical has reinvigorated interest in the traditional live shows, according to the team behind Zippos Circus.
The company’s big top is off on its annual tour of Scotland, stopping to entertain families in Glasgow, Dundee, Arbroath, Peterhead, Inverness, Elgin, Inverurie and Kirkintilloch.
Zippos has been running since 1986 and began with just four clowns, two jugglers and a pianist.
This year’s show promises contortionists, motorbikes and more, and also marks ringmaster Norman Barrett’s 21st year with the company.
The man with red tails and black top currently holds the Guinness World Record for the longest serving Ringmaster, and it seems unlikely anyone else is going to better the 83-year-old’s 52 years any time soon.
Barrett has revealed how young audience members now ask him “are you the Greatest Showman?” in reference to the Hollywood hit movie.
The veteran entertainer, who was a clown and juggler before taking on the top job, initially dreamed of being a lion tamer. However, he changed course following some advice from his father, who told him “lion trainers get the most money, but ringmasters live longer”.
He has no plans to step down, calling retirement a “dirty word”.
Barret and friends began their run in Glasgow this week.
More information on tour dates is available at www.zippos.co.uk.
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