With 20 elite performers, Circus Royale will bring acrobatics, comedy and death-defying stunts to Geelong next week.
Motorcycles, fire-juggling acrobats, youthful performers and illusionists will be part of the show as the circus celebrates its 45th anniversary.
“This is real old-fashioned traditional circus,” said ringmaster Damian Syred.
“It’s big, exciting and wonderful family entertainment.”
The show will feature a Globe of Death, returning to the circus after a long absence.
Mexican siblings Brandon, Geraldine and Hugo Fernandez will risk their lives in the four-metre globe, riding at speeds up to 80km/h.
Geraldine, 16, is also the female Globe of Death rider in Australia and one of two in Mexico.
“Sometimes, if they don’t know I’m a girl, the crowd is really shocked,” she said.
Circus promoters said audiences would also enjoy Harrison Football Dogs.
“We play two teams of three and, given their natural playfulness, the boxers are a hit with the crowd,” said trainer Michael Harrison.
Other circus features include South American contortionist Susana Reyes, who shoots a bow and arrow with her feet, and Pancholin the Chilean clown.
Syred, 33, said he always dreamed of owning a classic circus.
He loved everything about circuses from his first smell of the sawdust and grease paint.
“Growing up, I did all the things kids do – I tried to have a cool haircut and wear cool clothes,” he said.
“As ringmaster I get to seriously dress up, I love that, no less than 10 costume changes per show.”
Established 45 years ago by Swiss immigrants Frank and Manuela Gasser, Circus Royale travels with up to 50 vehicles to perform at 100 sites annually.
