The Stage

Silvers Circus to welcome celebrities for reality show

Published Tuesday 24 May 2005 at 09:35

In its latest search for a ratings winner, Australia’s Channel 9 has turned to the glitter and glamour of circus for a new reality TV show.

In Celebrity Circus, circus artists will train the celebrities - who include actor Cameron Daddo, former Neighbours actress Kimberley Davies and ex-Home and Away actor Dieter Brummer - in a number of circus skills, including flying trapeze, hand balancing and comedy acrobatics. Its format is reminiscent of the US-produced Battle of the Network Stars, which ran on ABC from 1976-1988 and Circus of the Stars, which aired on CBS between 1977 and 1992.

Hungarian high-wire walker Laci Simet - who for more than 20 years has appeared in productions all over the world and has frequently performed in UK shows, such as at Blackpool Tower Circus - is one of the circus artists teaching the Australian stars. He says: “I’m training Cameron and Kimberley. Cameron is very good. After only four days he crossed the wire, which I’ve rigged at six metres high. Of course, they all wear a [safety] lunge but I can tell you, he really learnt what fear is. Kimberley is quite cool and calm. At first she was scared, but then crossed sitting calmly on my shoulders.”

Shooting began at the Fountainhead headquarters of the Gasser family Silvers Circus, which lies about ten miles outside Melbourne, and will continue when the circus moves into the city. It is being screened over six weeks for an hour each Sunday evening, giving the viewers full access to the celebrities’ training and their life at the circus in luxury mobile homes. There is no voting-out by the public so everyone taking part will appear in a gala performance on June 3 - to be screened on June 5 - when they demonstrate just how good, or bad, they are.

The series, narrated by veteran Australian actor Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell, is produced by David Barbour and Julian Cress, who have recently attracted huge viewing figures with their celebrity weight-loss show, Celebrity Overhaul. Celebrity Circus also tells the history of the family-run Silvers Circus.