My parents performed a wonderful balancing act during the 1920s and 1930s in theatres throughout the country and commenced a family circus in 1929. .My father was the circus strongman and in recognition of the famous Sandow,' called his circus by this title meaning strength!

During the 1940's and 1950's the family toured all the major theatres at the time in weekly Variety using the same name. In remembrance of my parents great talent I have also carried forward the name.

The old Variety days were a wonderful experience for me (and hard work!). An experience that allowed me to meet with all the top of the bill stars! I went to hundreds of schools - one each week.

My first contract engagement was with the great Lord George Sanger’s Circus that toured southern England with idyllic philosophy and appeal. I had, already, a good circus artistic training but my several years spent with this fine circus gifted me with so much more. I then had good fortune with a winter season in Paris with Cirque Bouglionne.
I then perfected my balancing act. .

After my marriage to Sheila we toured cabaret clubs, summer shows, and pantomimes with our balancing acts. In 1985 we toured Israel.

In 1980 we commenced our slapstick theatre under canvas with first class clowns and at this time formed our long-standing arrangement with the CLlC Cancer in Childhood charity (Bristol).

This colourful unit toured for two seasons but, unfortunately, the site hire requirement from some local authorities (who treated us like a large circus!) was too high which made it impossible for us to tour with low admission prices.

Since 1982 we have toured Civic Theatres, Leisure Centres, and Galas. We are proud to say that our admission prices are kept at the lowest possible and we intend to keep it that way.

Historical co-incidences

My father joined Lord George Sanger before the First World War to which of course he enlisted to serve. His name was Richard Bratby.

The Blackpool Tower and the direct link to ‘Sandow’
A Mr. John Bickerstaff, a Blackpool businessman was to found the Blackpool Tower Company, with his fellow Directors F.W Anderton, A.L. Dickins, A. Lowcock and Mr. William Bratby.
The Tower Circus was first performed on the 14th May 1894.
Mr. William Bratby was born on the 25th April 1852 and is a first cousin to my father Richard Bratby

My father’s ancestral side of the family were stonemasons from Derbyshire.