In 1960, the famous Bullen Brothers Circus contracted two Swiss acrobatic trapeze artists, Franz Gasser and Rene Katherina, to come to Australia for a two-year all states tour.

Both men married and settled in Australia.

Today generations of the Gasser family operate several large Australian circus enterprises. Katherina family members perform daredevil acts in the best circuses in Australia and Europe.

Franz Gasser and his new bride Manuela established Circus Royale in 1971.

From humble beginnings, Circus Royale grew in audience and reputation, prospering in the 1980s through touring to New Zealand and South East Asia.

Franz was innovative and introduced the first vinyl Big Top tent into Australia. Today fire safe vinyl tents are used by all circuses.

Now, Australia's youngest circus owner runs Circus Royale.

An energetic, youthful and skilled entrepreneur from Western Australia, Damian Syred took control in 2007.

A mix of clever domestic animals, hilarious comedy and astounding human skill appear as part of Circus Royale's performances.