WHEN it comes to staging a circus that will keep people entertained from start to finish there’s not much that husband-and-wife team Natalie and Rudy Weber don’t know.
Both are born-and-bred into the circus business – Natalie is fifth generation and Rudy sixth – and they live and breathe all things circus.
This is the eighth year they have been staging circuses together under the Webers Circus banner, and their three daughters are following in their footsteps and all are part of the show.
Natalie says the key point of difference is between their circus and others is a simple but very important one: “We don’t have any boring, drawn-out acts – we just won’t have them in the show,” she said.
“We don’t even have a ring master. Everything flows straight from one act to the other. We find people really like that, and it makes sure the children don’t get bored and are entertained the whole way through.”
Plenty of stunning, bright costumes also make sure there is always something eye-catching to look at.
The Webers last visited Port Macquarie in 2007 and the 2014 visit is part of a tour from Sydney to Brisbane.
The show this time has what Natalie calls “a touch of South America” and includes all the favourites such as clowns, miniature ponies and performing dogs, but also some real stand-out acts such as the Wheel of Death, in which a man runs and skips 10 metres up in the air on a small wheel blindfolded.
“That’s very scary to watch because he has no safety harness or net because with that sort of act you cannot,” Natalie said. “If you come off, you come off.”
Another is the Russian Swing, an aerialist act involving up to 10 performers.
There’s also salsa dancing, hula hoops and lots more to entertain – but we’ll let you discover the rest for yourself.
Outside before the show there is also plenty to see and do, including a jumping castle, pony rides, games and novelty stands and – of course – refreshments.
Tickets start at $14 for children and $24 for adults, which Natalie believes is very fair for almost two hours of live entertainment. Children two years and under are free if not occupying a seat. All seats are elevated, so everyone can see easily.
The circus will be in town at Westport Park, Port Macquarie, from 7 to 16 February and includes evening performances most nights at 7pm and some 3pm matinee sessions. On the last day there will be only one performance, at 11am.
For a full schedule of times and prices visit www.weberscircus.com or ring 0448 247 287, which is also 0448 circus. You can pre-purchase tickets and also buy them at the door.
