Meet the family who perform at Zippos Circus in Glasgow

Glasgow Times

2 days ago

Others might see it through less fond eyes thinking of clowns that scare them and animals being involved in the acts, both which are now a thing of the past.
But for two stars of Zippo's Circus and their young daughter, it is everything they could ask for.
It is a world of adrenaline, tight-knit community and a unique family life that has been forged through very different paths into the heart of the show.
Neither of them came from a circus family, one is from Kent in England and the other is from Brazil and they have brought their young daughter up while travelling with Zippo's around the UK over the last six years.
Jackie Louise has been on the road with Zippo's for 18 years now, and it all started with a simple internet search.
Jackie performing her act (Image: Gordon Terris/The Herald) She had completed a degree in theatre studies and was captivated by a television show featuring celebrities attempting circus acts.
"I thought, that looks really cool. I want to try and be that girl spinning in the air," she recalls. "So I literally googled circus schools."
Her search led her to a six-month touring school run by Zippo's but she needed a bit of luck, which is probably a good thing in her line of work.
She explained: "They were actually fully booked already that year, but they had someone drop out at the last minute, which is why they had a space.
"If they hadn't had that space, I wouldn't have gone. And I think I would have not ever joined the circus."
From that fortuitous opening, she honed her skills, eventually earning a contract and a career that has now spanned 18 years.
Her partner's entry into the circus world was starkly different, rooted in a childhood in Brazil. Walter was 12-years old when the circus came to his town and he decided that was what he wanted to do.
"Where I live is like a little bit poor life, a little bit danger," he shares. Seeking a better path, he approached the circus and asked for a job.
Initially told he was too young, he was offered a chance to sell popcorn. That small opportunity was his gateway.
He continued: "I started selling popcorn and grew up, then I start to practice the globe and trampoline, other acts as well.
"We are seven kids, seven brothers and sisters, it's quite hard in that time," he reflects. "I think my mum said, 'maybe it's going to be a good idea because for helping him.'"
The pair met while working for Zippos and have been joined at the hip ever since. Their acts, which can be seen in Glasgow's Queen's Park until Monday, August 4, include the Spanish web where Jackie spins high above the stage, and a daring crossbow act they perform together.
The adrenaline rush from it might be exciting, but is there any fear?
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Jackie confessed: "The crossbow was scary when we were first started to practice because it's a new act for us this year.
"The first time I stood in front of an arrow coming towards my head, I was very scared. We do it twice a day, every day, so it's not scary anymore.
"I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie to be fair. I just like anything that scares me a little bit."
The unique career choice does mean family life is a bit different, particularly for their young daughter Lexi.
She is raised on the road, travelling around the UK and being home-schooled by her mum.
It can be a bit difficult at times and Jackie has admitted that at some point she knows she will have to give up performing and give Lexi a more traditional schooling, although that was something the six-year-old immediately shook her head at. She wants to stay in the circus for as long as possible.
Far from being a reluctant participant, Lexi is thoroughly immersed in the circus world. When asked if she enjoys it, her answer is a simple, enthusiastic "Yeah."
She is a regular spectator, declaring, "I like watching the show all the time," and even practices on the ropes herself.
She has her own clear ambitions: "I want to do the crossbow with my feet," she says with determination.
With neither of Jackie or Walter being from traditional circus families, there could have been a bit of a nervousness to get involved but both say they have been welcomed with open arms.
Jackie continued: "Circus people are much more accepting of newbies coming in now. It's just one big community and a big family... Everyone just helps everyone."
The appeal of the lifestyle is multifaceted. It's the constant travel and discovery, "to explore the country and not have to pay for it," and the satisfaction of a successful performance.
Yet, the future is a persistent consideration. The pull to provide a more conventional, full-time education for Lexi conflicts with their love for their life's work. The thought of leaving the circus after nearly two decades is a scary one, and not just because they would have to get new jobs but also the fact they would not be spending every minute of the day together.
When asked what she would do if she did retire from performing, Jackie responded: "I've no idea. That is why I haven't stopped circus because I literally am petrified of what I will do with my life."
Walter harbours a long-held ambition to one day run his own show but their focus is on Zippos Circus and continuing to travel around the UK, with a nod that Scotland's crowds are always the best and trips to the North East of the country are often their favourite with the views particularly enthralling on travel days and what comes next remains a decision for another day.
For now, their life remains a whirlwind of performance, practice, and travel, a nomadic existence that has become their normal.
From a speculative google search to a boy selling popcorn in Brazil, their stories converge in a life that is as challenging as it is rewarding, held together by family, community, and the enduring magic of the circus.
Zippo's Circus will be performing at Queen's Park in Glasgow until Monday August 4 with multiple shows on the same day. They will also be performing in Kirkintilloch from Wednesday, August 6 until Monday, August 11 and in Ayr from Wednesday August 13 until Sunday, August 17.
Tickets are available to book at www.zippos.co.uk.