While many Australian teenagers have dreamed of joining a travelling circus, Norma Brophy wanted to run away from it.
As a born and bred 'show person', she adored her early years on the road, running wild in town after town with her fellow little 'showies'.
Advertisement
But growing up backstage of a famed travelling show wasn't all fun and games.
At 15, Norma fled the circus and her father's violent ways, only to be drawn back by another formidable force: love.
Don't Call us Carnies: We are Showies and damn proud of it (Affirm Press, $29.99 ) by Norma Brophy, with Wendy Stuart will keep you riveted. I couldn't put it down.
In this vibrant, uproarious and poignant memoir, multi-talented showbiz matriarch Norma Brophy comes out of retirement to reveal a world of interest to many but understood by few.
From a time before cars to the Depression years, in and out of war time and across the golden era of Hollywood-tinged showmanship, right up to today, Norma paints a vivid picture of Australian show culture.
With authority and candour, Norma plays ringmaster to a cavalcade of characters and places that have helped form not only the story of her own record-breaking, death-defying family, but also that of countless other travelling show people, circus and rodeo folk whose exploits and ingenuity will leave you agog.
Norma Brophy was born on the back of a horse-drawn wagon in 1936.
She spent her youth travelling Australia with her hardworking showmen family, learning carpentry, signwriting, costume design and spruiking, with a short foray as a stunt motorbike rider. Later, with her husband Mick and five children, Norma worked all aspects of show business and circus including as a spruiker, snake handler, 'psychic medium' and circus owner.
Norma hung up her ringmaster's hat after managing her children's world-record-breaking acrobatic act, The Flying Angels.
Today Norma's paintings of show history on tent canvas are considered valuable records of Australian history, www.carnivalart.com.au. She lives in Brisbane.
Wendy Stuart is a freelance editor and wordsmith based in Queensland. She enjoyed working collaboratively with 'Aunty' Norma over several years in developing Don't Call Us Carnies. Since founding Wendy & Words in 2010, Wendy has edited over 60 non-fiction books. She is a Professional Member of the Institute of Professional Editors.
Therese Murray
Wordsmith. Experienced communications professional. I am a talented writer with a drive to interpret complex information into readable copy. A highly motivated self-starting senior journalist, editor and copywriter trained in all aspects of content production. Writing and words are my passion while I can edit and proof anything. Headlines a specialty. Oh, and I'm not a bad photographer. As a journalist, I can adapt to any writing style. I am aware of the work of public relations and marketing specialists and their needs and I know what is needed to get their message across to journalists. I am a great communicator through social media and just love creating social media conversations. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career has been all about telling stories. Storytelling remains storytelling across the gamut of writing, no matter whether you work on newspapers or in marketing. As a journalist, every day is a lucky dip. You have no idea who you will meet, where you will go or what you will do.
Wordsmith. Experienced communications professional. I am a talented writer with a drive to interpret complex information into readable copy. A highly motivated self-starting senior journalist, editor and copywriter trained in all aspects of content production. Writing and words are my passion while I can edit and proof anything. Headlines a specialty. Oh, and I'm not a bad photographer. As a journalist, I can adapt to any writing style. I am aware of the work of public relations and marketing specialists and their needs and I know what is needed to get their message across to journalists. I am a great communicator through social media and just love creating social media conversations. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career has been all about telling stories. Storytelling remains storytelling across the gamut of writing, no matter whether you work on newspapers or in marketing. As a journalist, every day is a lucky dip. You have no idea who you will meet, where you will go or what you will do.
