Run by a family with six generations of circus performance behind it, Silvers Circus has been travelling Australia since 1976 – and it’s in Ballarat again.
With its terrifying Globe of Death motorcycle act, astonishing juggling and highwire, the Wheel of Steel and all the other performances you’d expect to see, the circus is a refreshing new take on the age-old family favourite. It focusses on the human aspect of daring and danger, and avoids animals in cages.
But there are always clowns, says Dominik Gasser, one of the family that founded the circus. Dominik is a motorcycle rider gymnast – and a clown as well. It must be exhausting, but Dom says they are “circus fit”.
Dominik’s parents emigrated from Switzerland to begin Silvers, and performers from all over the world still join them, with acts from Argentina and Colombia as well as startling new young stars from Australia.
Silvers Circus is at the Ballarat Showground from May 18th to May 29th. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or by calling Silvers on 0413 880 044 or 0413 844 241.
