Silver’s Simon stretched in dual roles!

Simon Tait is an example of the boy, or rather, young man who ran away to the circus. Unusual as it may sound, a chance meeting with a clown when he was 21 years old demonstrated to Simon that the circus was the only life for him. Simon briefly diverted into managing a fast food shop but returned to the circus and now can boast a good number of years with one of the ten best circuses in the world ‘Silvers Circus.’

Silvers Circus will be touring Hobart in the coming weeks after a break of almost 5 years and there are many new acts to catch up with, including the daredevils riding motor bikes that chase each other in a huge globe without seeing where the others are and only knowing the other is there by the sound of the individual ‘revs’.

Simon says the circus is more than an occupation, it is a family, a city with in a city. Circus folk are renowned for taking care of each other and that takes on a more serious meaning when you realise that due to the dangerous component of many acts such as the trapeze and illusionists means these people are putting their lives in other’s hands and a strong element of trust is required between members.

Simon has a duel role in the circus. He is a ringmaster, blessed with a God given voice of tone and agility, skills which are equally utilised in is other role of illusionist. The moustache and airs and graces he commands with his voice and presence suit both roles perfectly.

Simon will be involved in sawing a lady in half and then be part of the so called ‘revenge’ act when he receives his comeuppance by being elongated on a stretching apparatus.

Simon’s education for this world of circus was a degree in dramatic arts from Queensland university and learning from the best in his apprentice with the famed Tommy Hanlon Jr.

This circus is distinctly modern,. You won’t see any exotic animals although there are some very clever boxer dogs to enjoy.

Silvers circus performs in Hobart on 15th and 16th June at the Derwent Entertainment Centre.
Paula Xiberras