The circus is in town!

Hudson’s Circus arrived in Dubbo a few days ago, and has parked its vans at the Dubbo Showgrounds until Sunday, July 17.

Ringmaster and fifth generation circus performer, Shane Lennon, along with his family, are travelling to regional towns across NSW for 11 months to showcase their latest performances.

Mr Lennon and his wife Nancy started the show nine years ago, naming it after her former home, Hudson’s Bay in Canada.

“We weren’t really sure what we wanted to call it, but we wanted to name it after something that fit in with us,” he laughed. They named their son Hudson after the circus as well.

Hudson was on Australia’s Got Talent at the age of seven riding his motorbike in the globe of death.

Mr Lennon said his son received four ‘yes’ votes from the judges and was happy with his result.

During Covid, Hudson’s Circus had to stop performing for 13 months, but with the lockdowns behind them, a lot of the performers were eager to continue their work.

"Of course we couldn’t perform, but we kept practising, put the tent up and had a lot of barbecues,” Mr Lennon said.

There are nearly 40 people who work on site.

“We also have a school with eight children and two teachers so children still get their education and finish Year 12.” You cannot run away with the circus anymore, just to skip school, Mr Lennon joked.

Hudson’s Circus has evolved a lot since last performing in Dubbo in 2019, by upskilling previous acts and gaining new artists.

“We have a lot more to offer with a contortionist, the globe of death with four motorbikes – more motorbikes than any other show – a South American flying trapeze group specialising in a triple somersault, and other acts.”

Mr Lennon told Dubbo Photo News a lot of international performers reach out asking if they can contribute their talents to the circus.

Their performances this month will be a treat to all age groups, and is not specifically designed for children. “Whether you’re two or 102, you will enjoy Hudson’s Circus,” he said.

Circus clown Walison Muh ran away with the circus in Brazil when he was 13 years old and has not stopped performing since then.

He's been in Australia for five years, and claims it is his favourite country after Brazil.

“During the pandemic I left to go to Europe, and I came back (to Australia) in February of this year.” Mr Muh said he enjoys the circus atmosphere and the excitement it brings to towns.

“I’m excited to see Dubbo’s reaction and hopefully they like it,” he said.

Contortionist Jonathan Mendez, better known as ‘Bone Breaking Leo’, started training when he was 16 and commenced performing at the age of 21.

Originally from New York, Mr Mendez has been with Hudson’s Circus for nine months and is looking forward to travelling throughout Australia.

Mr Mendez moved here in 2018 because of his wife and children who are also in the circus.

“I love the environment and travelling.” The circus is a family and he enjoys the lifestyle, he added.

To purchase tickets, head to the box office in the showgrounds from 10am Tuesdays to Sundays, or visit www.hudsonscircus.com.au/home