String's N Things

Born plain Keith William Smith on the 17th October 1944, he started life in showbiz with a String Puppet Act, but was to become Famous in the Circus World as The Amazing Etna - The Boy Wonder Yogi and also as Tizzy the Clown.This is the story of one man's amazing roller coaster life in show-business, the ups and downs, the tears and the laughter are all revealed within the pages of this down to earth look at the world of performing.The failed marriages, long distance separation from his children along with successes and failures galore make this a book all would be wise to study before considering taking up a career in Showbiz.In later years he also made his mark in Old Time Music Hall, Variety Theatres and Cabaret as a Stand up Comedian along with his renowned Max Wall & Old Mother Riley Tribute acts.Along the way he has even toured Sideshows on the Fairgrounds as well as working on others "parading" shows on the gaffs.Indeed you name it and he has done it from Children's Birthday Parties to topping the bill in Pantomime to cabaret shows in the seediest of nightclubs and strip joints through to corporate events and prestige venues like the Blackpool Tower Circus, Belle Vue Circus and Cirque d'Hiver (Bouglione - Paris) to name but just a few.Of note is the fact that he was the only Speciality Act in the World with his Bed of Nails, Fire-Eating, Dancing on Broken Glass & Other Yogi Stunts to ever work three consecutive seasons at the World Famous Belle Vue Circus in Manchester whilst also Clowing as Tizzy in the show at the same time.During his career he has worked with and alongside some of the biggest names in Circus, Variety and Comedy and is proud that his son Alex Smith aka Jonathan Royle who was born whilst he was touring with Gandey's Circus, made his stage debut aged 3 as Flap the Clown and continues to perform in various fields of the showbiz industry to this day. You will also find that inside the book are web links to watch various live performances the author has given over the years including those for both Adult and Children's audiences.Further links to digital versions of press cuttings galore and other showbiz memorabilia from his career are also included."When I saw LES-LE-ROY perform, it was like looking in a mirror. This man is an outstanding performer." Max Wall "Its a pleasure to work with someone of his outstanding comedy timing."Alec Halls MBE"