Zippos Circus

Last week I went to the circus for the first time in nearly 20 years. The first time I went was for a school friend's birthday and I must confess, I've almost entirely forgotten the experience. It's not that I didn't enjoy it, it just didn't make a huge impression on me. As you can imagine, this trip was therefore inspired by my girlfriend suggesting we go. All I can say is... WHAT. A. SHOW!

Despite my initial ambivalence, I loved it.

The atmosphere was set perfectly by a suitably ostentatious big top surrounded by various caravans and containers. Inside was dimly lit with the smell of sawdust and popcorn (an oddly pleasant combination) pervading everywhere. Despite the size of the tent, the inside was surprisingly small thus giving the whole place an intimate atmosphere.

As I said, the whole show was fantastic. The performers engaged in suitably impressive feats of strength, gymnastic ability, horsemanship and daring. This was topped off by a ringmaster who was the perfect, slightly camp, exuberant showman.

Rather than spoiling the element of surprise, I will only mention acts that were particularly notable. The first that deserve a mention are the clowns. In my opinion, they really stole the show. Their act started with a perfectly choreographed parody of Gangnam style complete with aviator sunglasses and red noses. Throughout the show they carried on with their hi jinks, antics, horseplay and practical jokes (often involving audience participation). What impressed me was their ability to use almost exclusively physical comedy to get belly laughs.

Also worthy of note were the motorcyclists who, after pulling some impressive stunts in the ring, proceeded to cram into as a small spherical cage and round various parts of the circumference at high speed with only inches between them. Heart-stopping stuff!

The other acts were brilliant too however, as I said, I don't want to spoil the surprise if you go. Worth a special mention however are the Corps de Ballet, a group of stunningly beautiful young ladies who were employed to assist with the acts while gyrating hypnotically and generally looking beautiful and glamorous. One especially was a spiritual (or anatomical) relation to Pippa Middleton! I thought my admiration was discreet but apparently not!

Moving on swiftly, if you find Zippos Circus in a town near you, go. It was brilliant fun and left me with a smile on my face for days.

JR

Boxing Day

So after the trials and tribulations of Christmas day it was fair to say that I was very close to being peopled out. Normally I'm a fan of stillness and calm. Of sitting in my chair listening to the radio, watching TV or reading a good book. So it had been a bit of a challenge having people around me all the time. What made things worse was the near-constant miasma of noise that was going on. JRGF's grandmother especially seemed to think it her responsibility to fill every moment of silence with some form of verbal activity... lot's of comments on the weather then! What was worse still was when we were allegedly watching something (by mutual consent rather than me being antisocial) to the tune of conversation over the top. I struggle following conversations at the best of time so having people natter  over whatever is being watched drives me slightly insane.

It was therefore with no small degree of trepidation that I embarked on a journey to JRGF's aunt's place on boxing day. Family tradition dictated that JRGF and her parents descended on her aunt along with her cousins, the cousin in law and the two kids. As I was in the area with my family, we were invited too.

Now before I sound too misanthropic I should state that I get on famously with all the in-laws (they took pity on me after some mass introductions) so ordinarily such an occasion would sound appealing. But as I mentioned, my sociability levels were beginning to flag. Not only that but I was aware dad gets even more tired of people than I do. JRGF's cousins kids are generally lovely kids but if they were in a bad mood I could see dad and I finally going over the edge.

Fortunately the kids were on form. We were treated to a rousing rendition of 'Gangnam Style' from them along with the traditional Christmas Carols. JRGF's aunt also put on a stunning show with the catering... We were stuffed. The beer was flowing pleasantly quickly too.

There was just one fly in the ointment. The conversation. It was the same one that had been had at least three times over the last two days. How's work? What is it you're doing again? How was your trip down? Did you enjoy Christmas dinner? etc ad infinitum. Dull. Boring. Tedious. Banal. Rubbish. I know it's the polite thing to do. A necessary evil. A dance to which we all know the steps but that day I did not feel like dancing them.

Normally I regard myself as 'clubable' for want a better term. Very amiable and able to make polite chatter. This means I generally enjoy the company of *ahem* older people. However, like I say, that day I was finding it all a bit much so I did something rather out of character. I retired to the kitchen with the "young ones" - JRGF's cousin and his three cousins (two girls and a guy all under 25). We chatted shit, got leathered and had a riotously good time. What really amused me was the five year old lad feeling all grown up because we'd given him apple juice in a pint glass and put a splash of lemonade in to make it look like beer telling JRGF's mother to, "Go away, we're having man talk!"

Over all, despite the poor beginnings it turned into a rather good day. And apparently I snored like a trooper all the way home. I blamed it on the dog!

JR