Our trainers
We are lucky enough to have super talented teachers who have all had international performance careers, plus junior teachers, who have trained under their wing.
Willie Ramsay
Our Head Trainer is Willie Ramsey who has been a circus performer since 1984 when he joined Gerry Cottle’s Circus. Willie has travelled the world, mastering almost every circus skill along the way including Teeterboard, Russian Swing, Cloud swing, Bungee Trapeze, Knife Throwin and bare back riding.
From 1996 till 2006 Willie played the powerful role of Jesuit Priest in the Circus of Horrors. He has worked in countless shows, TV and corporate events. In 1999 Willie worked as head trainer to around 60 aerialists working in the Millennium Dome.
Willie has worked as a stunt performer on many Films and TV shows, Tomb Raider, Sherlock Holmes, Mamma Mia, Walkers Crisps advert. His latest work has included stunt creation and film work with as part of the stunt team on the following box office films… Pan, King Arthur, Justice League, Fantastic Beast, Paddington Bear 2, Maleficent 2 and many more.
Lesley Gardener
Lesley is Head of the Circus School and is able to offer our students superb training in a wide range performance skills after many years of teaching at the highest level, for 9 years she was an acrobatics trainer at The National Centre for Circus Arts in London.
She started her career as a gymnast who has competed at national and international level. She retired from competition at the age of 26 and went on to work at the Millennium Dome as an aerialist, which is where she found her love of Circus.
Lesley has performed all over the world, perfecting a wide range of acts including German Wheel, Silks, Bungee Trapeze, Aerial Hoop, Trampoline, Banquine, Stilt Walking, Corde Lisse, Tumbling, Handstand Chairs and Magic Illusions. She has worked on a wide range of shows and TV productions and brings this professional experience to the Wookey Hole Circus to help the kids understand real world performance culture.
