Their days are usually filled with excitement, laughter and applause but things have been a little quieter for the performers of the Stardust Circus, as COVID-19 brings life on the road to a standstill.
For three months the 42 members of the Stardust family have called Rosehill home, after lockdown put the brakes on the show after just two performances.
Since then performers, trainers and their families have lived on site, at the corner of James Ruse Drive and Grand Avenue, alongside some of their furry cast members.
Janice Lennon co-owns the circus with her husband Lindsay, along with five brothers and sisters from the West circus family.
The families, their partners and children live in caravans travelling with the show.
Ms Lennon said most spend their days training or taking care of the animals and that children on site are home-schooled.
“Everything had to be cancelled, it’s been a bit tough,” she said.
“Everyone is still practicing in the tent each day and doing some maintenance things to keep busy, as well as trying to stay in condition.”
It’s not the first time the show has been disrupted by the pandemic, after they were stuck in Richmond during last year’s restrictions.
But now some relief for the entertainment industry is in sight after now former Premier Gladys Berejiklian recently announced the NSW Reopening Roadmap.
This state’s outdoor ticketed and seated events will be able to resume with a 500 person capacity once the state hits an 80 per cent vaccination rate.
Entertainment facilities including cinemas, theatres and music halls will be able to operate with a one person per 4sqm rule or at 75 per cent fixed seated capacity.
Ms Lennon said the cast is fully vaccinated and are hopeful for an end of October return.
“Everyone is itching to get back performing,” she said.
The show was scheduled to travel to Warriewood next, but Stardust will be sticking around Parramatta for a few weeks once allowed to open, to ensure local families get to witness the spectacular show.
The show is now set to run from October 20 until November 7.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.