CIRCUS ringmaster Norman Barrett and a group of feathered co-stars once appeared at Ayr’s Gaiety Theatre when he was a fledgling performer.

He has made many return visits with the next one coming up next month when he will live up to his title, Lord of the Ring, as he approaches his 80th birthday still doing the job he loves.

Now Norman Barrett MBE, one of only two people with circus connections to appear on the Queen’s Honours List, he retains much affection for Scotland, and Ayr in particular.

He said: “My first appearance in Ayr was just a walk-on, walk-off, affair but I always look forward to going back there, it is a great place and what a wonderful theatre the Gaiety is — I am so happy to be going back to Ayr again.

“The circus went out of fashion but it is on the up again, as people enjoy live entertainment and it is all generations that are coming along to our shows. The people of Scotland are always friendly and when I am out walking they always shout ‘How’s the budgies?’” It was the purchase of four budgies 50 years ago that led to that first Gaiety appearance when he toured the UK and Europe as part of a show, prior to joining Blackpool Tower Circus which he was going to ‘give it a try for a year’, and ended up staying for 25 years.

By that time he was tap dancing, playing the stooge to famous clown Charlie Cairoli, as well as being the show’s host and appearing as Ben Hur at Belle Vue Circus in Manchester during which he stood astride on the backs of two huge galloping horses.

A spell in New York followed during which many Hollywood stars were present at, or taking part in, the Big Apple Circus, including Robin Williams, Tony Martin and Jack Klugman, but the lure of the UK was too strong and he answered the call to take over the role of ringmaster at Zippos Circus, Mr Barrett said: “I am 80 this year and still passionate about what I do. I love every day and if it is raining...what can I do? I also love every single show that I do and people ask if I am acting, and I tell them no, I am just being me and doing what I like.” Audiences in Ayr typically consist of all generations he has noticed, and they all react differently to the same act, particularly children and adults.

“Families interpret the performers differently as they watch them. Whereas the young people look at the speeding motorbikes as dangerous and thrilling, the parents and grandparents will be sitting there thinking what would happen if one of them falls off, they will break their legs.

“Scottish people love the motorbikes though, as they go round in a specially made globe and it provides a sensational finish with a gap of a metre to pass through, but it is the risk they take. It makes it exciting for the audience as something like a mechanical failure could lead to big trouble.” Zippos Circus is at The Low Green, Ayr, for three nights between August 10 and 12.