Circus Royale will entertain audiences at Stud Park Shopping Centre.DREAMS can become reality in the world of show business and entertainment, and Damian Syred’s tale tells a happy story of persistence, passion and perseverance.
As the current managing director, Mr. Syred is the proud new owner of the renowned Circus Royale, which recently changed hands from seventh generation circus owners and retired performers Frank and Manuela Gasser.
He is rapt by the news and those well versed in circus tradition will understand why. Events like this are almost unheard of, as a circus is like an heirloom reserved for family members.
The circus is 37 years old, founded by the Swiss-born Gassers who hailed from a family bearing a rich circus tradition as early as 1437 in Europe.
But as fate would dictate, Mr Syred’s life came to intertwine with the Gassers when he was 12.
“I first attended the Circus Royale when I was 12, during a visit by the circus to Western Australia. And when the circus returned two years later, I was determined to be a part of it,” said Mr Syred.
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,” said Mr Syred.
“I often told Manuela that one day I 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.
“However, if it was, I would be the first they’d approach,” he said.
Mr Syred approached Manuela again for a job after completing Year 12, but was told to try something else for a while.
“I did, working my way up through a bank before being offered a job as tour manager for a circus in New Zealand,” said Mr Syred.
“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,” he said. “I stuck to my dream and it finally happened.”
Experience the thrills of Circus Royale’s performances under the ‘big top’, which includes contortionists, jugglers, high-wire walkers, clowns, aerial artists and animals.
Circus Royale will be conducting daily performances at Stud Park Shopping Centre, corner Stud and Fulham Roads, Rowville, from 18 to 29 July.
Circus Royale’s next location will be Casey Central Shopping Centre, Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren from 1 to 5 August.
Call 0410 669 253 for show times and bookings, or visit www.circusroyale.com.au.
