Clowning About.
For many of us the idea of a circus conjures up delightful childhood memories – One in which the entire family makes an occasion of it, and you happily trot along with your cousins and candyfloss. Yuven and I have been aware of the protests and petitions with regards to circuses and animals being caged up and treated like puppets for our entertainment, and we agree wholeheartedly, but as sensible people we did consider both sides of the situation before visiting.
If you have never visited a circus before, the entrance of McLaren Circus is precisely as you would picture it from a childhood book – A huge marquee surrounded by shabby caravans, the earthy scent of animals nearby, bright twinkling lights, and a feeling of being transported to somewhere else in the world. The ticket prices ranged from R 110 to R 160, based on where you wished to be seated, and when we gained entry into the marquee it seemed like no matter where you sat you would still have a pretty good view of the show.
Since pictures and video recordings were prohibited, the true experience will have to come from this review itself or from a visit to the show. We were a bit unsure about what to expect from the show so the ringmaster had our undivided attention. Due to the necessity of the safety fences, the lion and tiger show began first. Our eyes were as huge as saucers as we watched in awe as such majestic yet temperamental creatures could be taught to jump through hoops and roll over. Watching the animals was a treat for everyone at the show, and the sudden appearance of camels was hair-raising, but in the good way. Their sheer height and calm composition has truly been downplayed by television. The horses, ponies, reptiles, and dogs were equally thrilling! It was quite spectacular watching them perform in unison at the correct times, and even before they got their treat they seemed to enjoy prancing around as our eyes widened in amazement at them and we clapped excitedly like seals.
Whilst changing the arena to accommodate the various acts, we were kept entertained by two clowns who had everyone in stitches. Their beguiling nature, crazy antics and stereotypical clown-like behaviour kept our eyes glued on their every move so that the movements of the backstage staff went unnoticed, and before another joke or trick began the next act was being introduced.
The circus also housed incredible human talents:
– Gymnasts swinging on poles and then somehow gliding through a ring of fire to end up on the other side, and some who performed their tricks whilst being hoisted in the air by a metal ring.
– A daredevil so surprisingly steady on his feet that he was able to balance on metal drums placed on a soccer ball placed on a raised platform.
– And another risk-taker balancing on a rotating circular contraption which lifted him up all the way to very top of the marquee.
During the intermission, the crowds were allowed to ride the horses or take a picture whilst a freakishly thick and long snake lounged in their arms – All at a reasonable price of course. There were also a few food stands available for quick food and the usual treats that you would find at a circus. In essence I would say that our night was entertaining and we left in high spirits, reminiscing about our childhoods.
