Circus owner dreams big
Circus Royale owner Damian Syred wants Geraldton audiences to experience the magic and thrills of the circus like he did when he was a child.
Mr Syred’s dreams became a reality in 2010 when he purchased the circus off retired performers Frank and Manuela Gasser.
Mr Syred said he first attended the Circus Royale when he was 12 during a visit by the circus to Western Australia.
“When the circus returned two years later, I was determined to be a part of it," he said.
He approached the circus for a job during the school holidays and was hired to make and sell show bags.
"I loved the circus way of life and wanted to run away and join them.
“But Manuela made me finish school.”
Mr Syred said he often told Manuela that one day he would like to buy the Circus Royale.
“She said their children were first in line and it was highly unlikely that it would ever be sold,” he said.
"However, if it was, I would be the first they'd approach," he said.
Mr Syred said he approached Manuela again for a job after completing Year 12, but was told to try something else for a while.
"I was working my way up through a bank before being offered a job as tour manager for a circus in New Zealand," he said.
“I took the position and it was during this time that Manuela contacted me to see if I still wanted to buy the circus.
“I accepted and here I am today.”
The circus is 40 years old and was founded by the Swiss-born Gasser’s who hailed from a European family with rich circus tradition.
Mr Syred said he grabbed the rare opportunity to own the renowned circus.
“Events like this are almost unheard of, as a circus is like an heirloom and reserved for family members,” he said.
"I stuck to my dream and it finally happened.”
The all new show includes, jugglers, clowns, acrobats, animals and Australia’s only “Man in the bottle”.
Circus Royale will be conducting performances in Geraldton at Eadon Clarke Reserve from April 20 to May 1.
Call 0410 669 253 for show times and bookings, or visit www.circusroyale.com.au.
SOPHIE ELLIOTT
