Clowning around: Ireland's oldest working clown on life in the Big Top
Mikey Gerbola in his element under the Big Top. His signature act begins with him slowly applying his clown makeup on stage to the haunting tune of 'Smile.' Picture: Chani Anderson
The country’s oldest working clown has revealed how he swapped life in the Big Top for a regular nine to five, but the “groundhog nature” of the job had him rushing back to his greasepaint.
Mikey Gerbola has been clowning around now for more than half a century and is showing no sign of slowing down.
The 58-year-old, who performs with Circus Gerbola, said he and his wife Tara tried working regular jobs in the past, but were both miserable.
“I went truck driving while she worked in the cash office in Tesco. We were in good jobs that paid well.
“About a year and a quarter in, she told me she couldn’t do it anymore. I was relieved because I felt the exact same way. It was the same thing every day. The whole thing felt like Groundhog Day.
"With circus every day is different. Every day is a challenge. It’s like moving a business to a different town every day.”
Mikey begin performing as a clown from the age of four, but it was as an eight-year-old that he got his big break in the Big Top, performing full-time.
“I started clowning when I was eight but I was doing it well before that. I had two uncle-in-laws who were Spanish that I really admired.
"You would always see me there waiting outside the ring for the moment that they called me.
"I was only four at the time, but they picked me to perform once a week.
"They would put a hat on my head and a cigarette in my mouth.
"The act involved them knocking the hat off my head with juggling clubs.
"You’re basically a stooge or a prop until you learn your trade and do dialogue."
“I went full-time from the age of eight. I learned everything in the circus from the trapeze to roller-skating.”
Pay and pensions aside, life in the Big Top brings it own rewards, according to Mikey, who calls Navan, Co Meath, home when he is not touring.
"I feel like I make a difference. Kids come up to me and give me a hug. You can’t pay for memories like that. People who know me my whole life still remember my first act.
"One lady came up to me and told me she was so touched by my performance it made her cry.
The showman, whose children Blake Dean, Michael Cole, and Isabella are all involved in the business, hopes that circuses will continue to thrive for generations to come.
“My ancestors were the founders of circus. I have posters and pictures dating back to the 1700s.
"How long I go on will depend on how long I live. I’ll do it for as long as I can.
"Circus people don’t retire. They just die.”
