Two locals stole the spotlight, albiet for a few minutes, at the Circus Royale this week.
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Circus Royale pitched their big top at Young Showground for three days, but it was opening night on Tuesday that provided more than a few surprises.
The circus’s presence in town created so much hype, organisers had to delay starting time on their first night to cater for the masses of people.
At one point, attendees were getting turned away because they had sold out.
Circus Royale owner Damian Syred said Tuesday night attracted 700 people, with Wednesday night’s numbers similar.
At 7.30pm Tuesday as the lights dimmed, the spotlight turned to the front and out from behind the red velvet curtain stepped Wombat Public School student Joanna Vincent to introduce the first act.
The 11-year-old was given the honour of being junior ringmaster, the prize she won after entering into a competition run by Circus Royale and The Young Witness. And she loved every minute of it.
“I was excited, then I got scared because it was the first time I’ve been in a circus,” Joanna said.
She admitted she didn’t believe her father when he told her the news days prior.
“I kept asking him is it the truth?” she said.
“My highlight was going around with all the people at the finale. I was with Rhiannon, one of the acrobats.”
Young radio announcer Wes Heather also made his debut on Tuesday night on various occasions, where performers invited him into the ring for the Chinese yo yo act and the high wire stunt.
He must have made quite the impression because he was invited back Wednesday and last night.
“It was nerve-racking, it was so much better the second time,” Wes said.
“But the nerves kicked in again when they told me they were putting me in the knife throwing routine (on Wednesday night).
“I was really scared before it. I could actually feel the force of the knives as they hit the wood because my back was touching the wood,” he said.
“I had my man parts covered but I was more concerned of the axe going into my leg. It was so close.”
Damian said it was great to have so much support from the town.
“It’s been a lot of fun and having Wes in it was different for us as well,” he said.
