John Roberts

John Roberts a truly versatile man of circus. This is a very apt description when one considers the wide variety of jobs he has tackled in his circus career. John grew up on Robert brother's circus where, in due course, he appeared in the house acts. He was a member of the Ottawa riders, as well as the show's tumbling troupe, the teenage tumblers. His first solo act being a plate spinning routine.

In the early years of his career, John appeared in pantomime and cabaret at a number of London venues including: the Park Lane Grosvenor, Hotel, the Dorchester hotel, and London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall. John was also asked to present the plate spinning as part of the generation game sequence with Bruce Forsythe, at the Royal Gala under the big top in Home Park Windsor on May 28th 1977 in front of her Majesty the Queen and H.R.H. Prince Philip.

As a clown John started his career assisting Jacko Fossett. Further clowning exploits include a comedy car entrée with Michael Austin and performing as a run in clown at Belle Vue, Manchester. Comedy is an integral part of Johns work and this has shown through his work with animals, to name but a few of his acts:

McGinty and Patch (Patch being the rebellious wilful dog, John being McGinty).

Sidney the Boxing Kangaroo, (sometimes known as Skippy) an act which John performed until 1981.

The Chimpanzees (Bobby, Tommy and Sidney) and later with the Chimps JR and Sue Ellen. JR even later changed his name to Mr Smith and dressed up as the Ringmaster helping Norman Barrett with the Birthday Spot a novel act with great comedic value.

John's working with animals has extended even to presenting 8 lionesses. John showed them for BBC TV circuses and at Blackpool Tower in 1981. This, coupled with his work with Tigers, Horses, Ponies and of course Elephants defines John as perhaps one of the most experienced animal handlers in Circus.

Travelling has also been an integral part of Johns life and work experience. Places visited include Spain (Circo d'Inglaterra), Portugal, Munich (Circus Krone) and in the winter of 1983/4 (Circus Bouglione).

After the split of the families of Bobby and Tommy Roberts in 1982, John ran the Spanish National Circus in partnership with Giovanni and Sergio Biasini. Of course Johns links with Spain are stronger than just work, his wife, Tonia (formerly of the Sandos Trio) is Spanish.

In between touring shows, John's television credits also include, Highway (presented by Sir Harry Secombe). Robert Brothers Famous Circus and Big Top Startime, featuring such celebrity names as Les Dennis, Dustin Gee, the Barron Knights, and Freddie Davis.

In 1986, John's travels took him and the family to Singapore, in Davey's Great British Circus. Later with Robert Brother's Famous Circus the family showed in Malaysia, and major cities in West and East Malaysia, finishing up in Penang before returning in Great Britain in November 1987.

Perhaps the most incredible thing about John Roberts is that he is at home both in the ring and behind the scenes. He takes a keen interest in the show's equipment and transport, especially the ERF lorries. In recent years John has been the driving force behind Robert Brothers Famous Circus The New Generation, and he is enthusiastic about the future working with his family. John embraces change and is constantly updating the show, and bringing fresh ideas to the family business.

As he says himself "You've got to keep trying to give the public something new, something different".

An entertainer through and through.