I cost a lot in time and effort but I finally have it!

Thank you Nigel Male for your dedication to this legacy of my uncle grandpa and my family, thank you Christian Peña Marambio for your help to bring him to Guatemala I am very happy!!!

We have gone world wide! To date copies have gone out too:-

France, Germany, Italy, Peru, Guatemala, Madrid, Las Vegas, Canada, Monaco, Austrailia....

**Review of “39 Years Under the Tower”

by Bobbo Roberts, Clowns International**

I had the pleasure this past weekend of attending the launch of 39 Years Under the Tower by Nigel Male and Steven B. Richley. This book has been Nigel’s dream for 26 years, and with Steve’s support, that dream has finally become a reality.

The celebrations began on Friday, 1st November, with a special launch event held in the ring of the Blackpool Tower Circus itself. Those who had pre-ordered the book were able to collect their copies and enjoy a fascinating talk by Professor Vanessa Toulmin on the history of the Tower Circus. Nigel spoke with heartfelt passion, the Deputy Mayor shared a few words, and of course Charlie Cairoli Junior took to the ring to speak lovingly about his father. Charlie has been instrumental in helping Nigel bring this book to life, providing access to never-before-seen photographs and family stories. Our own Bobbo Roberts even assisted Nigel in identifying certain photos—his eye for detail is remarkable, able to date an image simply by the style of ring boxes used.

I had planned to attend simply as a representative of Clowns International, paying tribute to one of the greatest clowns Britain has ever produced. But as I was travelling with Bobbo, he asked if I’d like to join him in slap and motley to welcome guests and help guide them to the trams for the dinner and auction. Nigel had arranged a private tram ride to the Imperial Hotel, where we enjoyed a wonderful meal together, followed by an auction of exclusive items. It was lovely to catch up with our Vice President Chris Stone, the brilliant Tweedy, and many friends from the world of circus.

The auction featured an incredible range of items, including a bust of Charlie, the original artwork produced by Curtis Tappenden for the launch poster, and treasures from Chris Stone’s personal collection. I bid as high as I could for Curtis’s artwork, though someone wanted it more than me. I was delighted, however, to win a selection of vintage postcards from Chris’s collection. In total, the auction raised over £2,000 for Brian House Children’s Hospice—a charity close to Charlie Cairoli Junior’s heart.

I want to offer a huge thank you to Nigel for his tireless dedication and determination in seeing this book through to completion. People like Nigel and Steve, with their passion for preserving Charlie’s legacy, deserve immense praise. They are safeguarding circus heritage not only for Blackpool, but for clowns and circus lovers everywhere.

Reflections on Charlie Cairoli

My mum used to say, “It’s hard work for an animal trainer and the clowns to go back to the same venue year after year with something new for the audience.” So imagine doing that for 39 years—coming up with a new entrée, a music gag, and a full slosh routine each season. That was the genius of Charlie Cairoli.

Nigel’s book gives us a real glimpse into the life of this extraordinary man. His access to the Cairoli family archives has brought forward photos and stories never seen before. For those of us who grew up around legends—Charlie Cairoli, Norman Barrett, Mary Chipperfield, Jacko Fossett, and even my own dad, Bobby Roberts—they always felt like part of everyday life. Nigel has captured that feeling, that humanity, in this book. As Charlie’s son said at the launch: “To the public he was Charlie Cairoli, but to me he was just my Dad.” Only now, looking back, do I realise what huge stars they all were. But they still had time to talk to a little sod like me!

This book preserves the story of a truly special man with an immense talent—a man who shaped generations of clowning.

It’s the kind of book you can dip into for a slice of Charlie, or read cover to cover to immerse yourself in his world. Someone once called Charlie “the clown’s clown,” and they were right.

I was honoured when Nigel asked me to return to the Blackpool Tower Circus for the launch and to mix and mingle with fellow lovers of circus history. As we put on our slap in the dressing room—the very same dressing room Charlie used—the emotion hit me. My bottom lip was trembling as I got ready. I hadn’t performed in the Blackpool Tower Circus since 1990, and to be invited back for the launch of this beautiful tribute to Charlie was a privilege I won’t forget.

If you haven’t yet got a copy of 39 Years Under the Tower, what are you waiting for?

Beg, borrow, or buy one—this book is a precious snapshot of the past, capturing a perfect moment in time when one clown knew exactly what his audience loved, and gave it to them faithfully for nearly four decades.

Written by Bobbo Roberts

Clowns International