THE arrival of an iconic big top, the smell of sawdust and anticipation of the roaring crowds have brought back memories of circus life for a former Cumbrian clown.

Garry Stevenson, formerly of Stevensons Crown Circus at Lowther Park, said he still has romantic notions of running away with the circus and performing in the ring again.

Gandeys Circus’ return to Penrith today has evoked happy times of his childhood and fun-filled days working with talented artists from all walks of life.

It’s been almost two decades since he lapped up an applause but the 62-year-old looks back fondly on the years he toured as a circus act with his talented dad Eric Stevenson, the man behind the famous face of Noe-Noe the clown.

Garry began learning acrobatics aged 13 before he became hooked on juggling, which later become one of the main acts he and his dad would perform together. He left school at 15 and chose circus life over a joinery apprenticeship.

“I didn’t do very much schooling,” said Garry, who runs G&S Specialist Timber in Stainton and the Alpaca Clothing Co, with his wife Joy. “I used to help put the tent up. It was a different education and quite and adventure. Talking about it I miss it quite a lot.”

In 1984, Phillip Gandey asked the father and son duo to join Gandeys Circus for four weeks in Lowther Park. Three years later they joined the enterprise again when it took a huge chance to set up the show in Madeira for a month over Christmas.

The family established Stevenson’s Crown Circus in Lowther Park in 1985 and started running the park in 1988. They entertained crowds there for 15 years after many years performing together across the world.

“Often you are travelling in this country or countries abroad. When you get together with artists from all over Europe and America it becomes like a little community, a little village moving from town to town. You’re in different places but you still have your home base.

“It’s quite a romantic way of life and a great way to see the world.”

Comedy act Noe-Noe and Garry performed for Princess Anne at Clapham in London and for the Danish Royal Family. They also made an appearance at the Royal Variety Performance, when they were watched on by the Queen Mother. French galas were another of their stages and the duo also worked for the BBC and ITV.

Garry had never decided to come out of entertainment but when Ernie retired in 2000, his attention turned to the Alpaca centre.

He often wonders where he would be if he’d stayed in the circus, having once been asked by the son of world-famous Blackpool Tower clown Charlie Cairoli if he wanted to go into partnership. “When we came out of the park I had every intention of going back and finding another circus. I never made a conscious decision really. Life moved on," he said. "I still have romantic notions of running away with the circus and performing in the circus ring again."

Garry is looking forward to watching Gandeys' Greatest Show Tour, which is at Frenchfield Sports Centre from today until Monday. The show will feature an international cast of more than 30 talented artists, including the world-class Havana Troupe, from Cuba, who have two new acts - a five-handed springboard act and a Russian bar act.

“Circus is still as it always has been, wonderful entertainment for all the family. They have always been well received in the Penrith area and Gandeys have frequented Penrith many times over the years and always delighted the crowds," said Garry.

“I look forward to seeing their show, particularly the clowning, and I am sure they will delight the audience as they always do.

“Circus has continued to change throughout the many years but it has kept its appeal with the impressive circus big top, the smell of the sawdust and the wonderful variety of acts who bring daredevil excitement laughter and skills there is something for everyone to enjoy.

“To me Gandeys still feels like a traditional circus with that original magic, the get-up-and-go, the razzmatazz. Long may that last.”