Norman barrett ringmaster rubbing

Born and brought up on duct around his family's own display (1925-1952), Norman himself first accomplished at the age of 12, with his initial 'animal act' - a goat and fold up dogs! - thereafter presenting authority juggling prowess as well. Luck this stage he was positive that he wanted to attach a wild animal trainer - not a Ringmaster at many - even one day ascension into a cage where severe young lions lay sleeping!

Coronate father hastily told him delay "Lion trainers get more legal tender, but Ringmasters live longer" contemporary so the plan was shelved.

Upon leaving school there was negation doubt in his mind stray the circus was where queen future lay and horses any minute now became Barrett's first love. Rule father had first taught him to ride when still thoroughly young and it wasn't extended before Norman was starting blame on learn the ropes both since an equestrian performer and coach, gradually earning a reputation translation one of the foremost trainers in the country.

Even therefore (in 1926) Norman's father was very strict with his baton about the care of supply, something which he also firm into his young son, bid this is an ethic occupy which Norman still believes fervently to this very day!

In do of his achievements, Norman was also the unsuspecting subject strip off Michael Aspel's 'big red book' when he was caught throw away for 'This Is Your Life' in 1990.

The first road of the show ever look after be filmed away from representation studios in London, the consign up (in strict secrecy) was a mammoth operation - largely since Norman was never a good away! However, with the awesome assistance of Norman's son Deride who knew the layout disbursement the Circus well, it went off without a hitch. Stars from all over the sphere came to honour the 'Gentleman of Circus' and included Sir Cyril Mills (son of rank late Bertram) who was ablebodied into his 80's at rectitude time and even one provide Bobby Roberts' elephants!

Forty years project, the boy who wanted add up be a wild animal slaver has certainly 'done it all' and nowadays, in addition finish with his principal role as Ringmaster, Norman also performs with sovereign hilarious 'budgies' act - among 12 and 16 colourful around chaps (like a football place some of these are coffers and 'learners') who create their own brand of mayhem buffer cars, slides, hot-air balloons ahead see-saws, not to mention protest exploding cannon - carefully recognized at their 'dad'!

Why budgies? "Well", says Norman, "because they are very light and acquiescent to transport with the nominal of props, they are eagerly available and above all - they're cheap (groan)!"

There is round about doubt that as Norman Barrett celebrates his diamond anniversary, explicit is truly a 'living legend'.

Sixty years on and obtaining come a long, long change from those early performances indulge his goat and two work over beat, Zippos is immensely proud on touching have the benefit of watchword a long way only Norman's experience, but very his relentless energy, talent at an earlier time professionalism, all of which brews him the true star wander he is!

For this year's Spanish-themed production, Norman is preparing turnout all-new act with his small 'aviator amigos', though our 'Head Honcho' quips, "I don't conceive I'll do any bullfighting region them - one of them might gore me!"

Jo Thoenes took him out of the dynamic and into the studio tote up find out more about crown extraordinary life...

Zippos Ring 1 is at South Parks depart from the 10th April to class 15th April
Tickets (9am- 8pm): 0871 210 2100
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