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I have been in austarlia for the last eight weeks and have run across many cool performers...saw Nick for the first time after 18 years...seem like the british are the Kings of cups and balls, (Nick,Gazzo,Bob Read)...It's a shame Nick hasn't got the intrest gazzo and bob have receive in this area of magic...his show is classic! Nice to see you Nick!
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I arrived in Sydney and the first act I saw was Sean "bike/pole boy". He wasn't happy that I was there and suggested other spots for me to perform at...this is a common approach to new faces in the states so I was use to this greeting other than that Sean was friendly. Sydney is probably the most tourist oriented big city in OZ. Next I went to melbourne and got a permit for a month...for circle acts the is only two places to perform....southbank and federation square but way to many performers for thier lottery system,(when I was there there were as many as 14 acts for perhaps 7 slots). My best show in australia were at the sunday market...and only if I did well in the lottery. musicians tend to work another part of town off limits to variety performers.
After melbourne I went to Perth....Perth can be very hot 40 degrees. In perth you work at a shopping mall and people tend to look at you as if thier a dog who has just been shown a card trick! Fremantle 30 miles away is better...but once again a lottery for four slots and only good on the weekend,(sat/sun). once it cools down I hope to head to darwin. The quality of musicians act is very high and everyone is selling CD's. Amplification is the norm and both variety and musicians acts seem to use it.
Act wise I met 5 pole acts, 4 escape act...(birdman being the unique standout), 3 sword swallowers...(one who brings out a 8' pirate ship in order to stop the lifeless perth crowd). 2 magicians..Nick & Patrick. 2 contortionist...1 dog act and the usual number of jugglers...Mr fish & eric the red being memorable.
would i recommend australia? I your want to see the country and make some money yes.....If you just want to make money...NO! Most of the acts are fairly friendly compared to many of the pitches in the States....This allow beginners to get better without the pressure of compettion.....but sometime competion and the type of qualities that succeed in such climate tend to be stronger acts....or the just go out and by a pole or unicycle and say the hell with it!
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