2012/13
In 2012 the Netherlands National Circus visited the Town Moor, Newcastle, with an 11 day stand as part of a UK tour. With their ‘All Human Spectacular” Show. Tour Manager/Spokesperson was Chris Barltrop. Chris has also been ringmaster for Gerry Cottle’s Circus and Moscow State Circus where he was on the Town Moor in 1990. The Dutch circus was established in 1948 and is believed to have first toured the North East in 1999. In 2012 Prices were: Adults £12 – £24, Children £10 – £18.
In 2013 Planet Circus, a relatively young Family Circus which says it is “probably the best circus on the Planet” and may be a re-branding of an other circus, toured the NE. It uses Disney characters, Micky & Minnie Mouse and Spiderman on it’s posters to raise it’s appeal. With an international line up of acts, Planet toured the UK including the North East with a show called Wow Factor. It has 5 motor cross riders in it’s thunder ball. In other photos Marco Polo the Mexican Wire walker is seen crossing the wire wearing a large woven basket on each foot!
Ian Macbeth, is a local photographer and circus enthusiast who attends most circus shows which visit the Tyneside area. His photos of acts are excellent considering the difficult lighting conditions and fast action.
