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Russ Adams 1923 - 2007
Remembered by Ron Gilbert
Russ was probably better known to the public as Hobo the Clown. He
passed away peacefully at his Bournemouth home on Christmas Eve He was 83. Born
Russ Adams in Yeovil, he became a most successful promoter with touring circuses
across the South Of England. These included Gerry Cottles’, The Moscow State
Circus and Chinese State Circus.
Also known as Russ Sanger, this name was from his Sangers Circus. As a teenager
he in delighted in staging variety and music hall shows. Having decided to join
a circus as Clown Ross, he appeared at the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow when 21, toured
for 2 years then joined the legendary Bertram Mills Circus including a Royal
Command Performance in front of King George V1. He then toured later for Billy
Smarts’ Circus, and appeared at the Belle Vue Winter Circus in Manchester.
Russ was also an accomplished drummer regularly appearing at the famed Embassy
Club in Piccadilly Circus, London, with the Pete Riley Big Band.
When Russ moved eventually to Bournemouth he created Hobo, noted for his giant
boots. He wrote many pieces for “The Stage”. He is survived by his wife of 40
years, Mitzi and his sister Val.
The funeral is at the Bournemouth Crematorium on January 7th at 12.30pm.
Ron Gilbert, December 2007