It was a reportedly a hair-raising drive for the performing entourage known as The Rooftop Express, as it made its way down Thunderbolts Way with burning brakes and a cargo of livestock in readiness for this weekend’s Gloucester Show.
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In the three or so years since they started up The Rooftop Express, Lockyer Valley’s David Manchon and his cohort have done so many shows on roads across the country that they have lost count.
Following in the steps made famous by Robert Redford in The Horse Whisperer, David is a horse trainer, breeder and TV personality who displays horsemanship as entertainment to audiences in both rural and urban settings. Together with Anthony Cootes’ clown routine and Troy Thomson’s horse and livestock skills, the trio work on a stage which moves from a showground arena to the rooftop of their trailer, complete with livestock by their side.
“Each show brings its own energy,” David said.
“Out in the bush it showcases what we do, but in metropolitan areas we’re broadcasting a message about primary production.”
Troy came up with the idea of using the roof of the trailer when he and David, both working in the equine industry, were first brainstorming different ideas on how to catch people’s attention.
It’s obviously worked, with invitations from as far as the Royal Agricultural Show in Hobart to Royal Adelaide to... Gloucester.
Touted as a “must see for anyone who ever wanted to put on a cowboy hat” the performance will take place this Saturday evening, preceded by a rodeo the night before.
The Gloucester Show is on March 11 and 12, with a full schedule of events. For more information ring the show office on 6558 2468.
