Circus Olympia History

Frank & Manuela Gasser

"People of the circus have in them two attributes, which even singly are rarely found, but which together make nothing impossible in the world, namely boldness and diligence." - Felix Salten

The truths of Felix Salten's words are reflected in the lives of Frank and Manuela Gasser. Each person is different - Frank and Manuela Gasser are 7th generation circus owners and retired performers.

Centuries of Circus Tradition

Swiss born Frank came to Australia with the dream of creating a European circus just like his family has presented in Europe for more than 100 years. Frank and Manuela created Circus Royale Australia over 35 years ago.

Frank's passion has won him many accolades and awards, including the distinction of representing Australia on prestigious juries at international circus competitions.

Gasser family members have entertained the world since 1437!

Overseas tours to Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and New Zealand have allowed the Gasser Family and performers to take their unique humour, traditional human and humane animal acts to an international audience.

360 full 2-hour circus performances are staged each year. Hospital visits, special schools programs and juvenile justice centre appearances bring another 10,000 people annually into the world that is Circus Olympia.

If succumbing to the popcorn and other goodies sold at Circus Olympia leaves your wallet a little thinner than anticipated, just remember these people bring joy to many faces, especially those who have never experienced a circus or any live show before.

Artistic Directors, Douglas & Aliya Ferroni

Arriving in Australia in 1982, Douglas is a tenth generation circus artist from Portugal, whose family has a deep and rich circus history dating back hundreds of years. He has also performed in some of the greatest circuses all over the world, with world class flying trapeze acts, performing death defying tricks including the world famous triple somersault!!

Aliya is an accomplished circus artist who is also a graduate of the prestigious Moscow State Circus Academy. Her family also performs extraordinary feats.

Douglas and Aliya created The Great Siberian Circus in 2002 and have toured Australia with this Russian flavoured production.

The Great Siberian Circus also have completed a season working with the Doch Orchestra presented by QPAC, and various other corporate collaborations such as Somersault Productions Pirate Show at Dreamworld and the Woodford Folk Festival to name just a few.

Douglas and Aliya Ferroni are now very proud to bring their skill and expertise into a partnership with the Gasser family to create Circus Olympia!!