This is circus ringmaster Norman Barrett and one of his performing budgies, which he has trained to swing on a see-saw and walk down slides. Where did he learn to do that? Israel, of course.
Mr Barrett, 73, and his budgies are on a UK tour with Zippo’s Circus — currently performing at Wembley Stadium. But it was a few years ago in Haifa where the acclaimed ringmaster says he learned to work with budgerigars.
He tells People: “I went to Israel because I had contacts at the Haifa Theatre Club. I worked with a stand-up comedian there. I taught him to juggle and he taught me some acts. I started training budgies there and really enjoyed my time in Israel.”
The ‘budgies act’ involves between 12 and 16 of the little birds, which use cars, slides, hot-air balloons and see-saws, plus an exploding cannon, to create chaos.
Is it not cruel? “People have the right to criticise but all the animals are very well looked after. I have an aviary in my van. I am giving the animals the chance to live a more fulfilled life.” He adds: “Zippo’s is a very classical circus and it is good clean family entertainment.” Why budgies? “Because they are very light and easy to transport with the minimum of props.”
Blackpool-based Mr Barrett has been a ringmaster for the past 25 years. He was 12 years old when he joined his father in the circus. “I liked the animal tricks that my father would do.”
