Circus life more than just clowning around
Bay brothers tell of excitement and hard work under the big top
THEY come in all shapes and sizes, leading a life filled with hard work and thrills – and they would not have it any other way. For the performers – including two Algoa Park brothers – at Brian Boswell’s circus, now in the city, the high they get from entertaining audiences far outweighs the hard work they put in.
For Port Elizabeth-born and bred trapeze artist Greg Marais the life has provided many hair-raising situations – with a loud fall just one!
“I once fell off onto the circus band’s drums while I was jumping up and down on a running horse. I brushed myself off and continued with my performance. It was quite embarrassing,” he said.
Marais says his seven years with the circus have taken him across the globe, including England, Ireland and Scotland.
He, and brother David, who also works for the circus, are enjoying a little family time while back in the Bay.
Older brother David, who has been in the entertainment business for 17 years, says performing at home is a joy. He describes circus people as friendly and accommodating and says audiences in South Africa are not as critical as those in Euorpe.
“It’s better to perform here than in Europe where I have to be alert and make no mistakes. I have no intention of going back to perform overseas,” he said.
He specialises in motorbike tricks, trampolining and riding elephants.
Jane Boswell, who along with her husband Brian, owns the business, says the 54strong staff do not just see life in the circus as a job – they see it as a big happy family.
“Everyone is willing to help one another as we travel around the world,” Jane said.
While for many, circus life may seem glamorous, Jane says it is also hard work, es- pecially for staff responsible for caring for the animals as well as performing.
For both Boswells, circus life is in their blood with Brian’s family having been involved with circuses since the mid-1800s when ancestor James Boswell performed in English circuses as a clown, horseman and equilibrist (someone who performs balancing acts).
James’s eldest son, James Clements Boswell, and his family set sail for South Africa in 1911, bringing the Boswell bloodline to our shores.
Jane’s family, who owned Chipperfield’s Circus, came from England for a three-year tour of South Africa in 1964 and the start of Brian and Jane’s life together.
In 1982, Brian set up his circus which has been touring the country ever since.
The circus will be at Walmer West Primary school until January 22.