The story of the Bale family is one of resilience, talent, and dedication to their craft, woven into the cultural history of music halls and the circus. For generations, the Bales were synonymous with entertainment, leaving their mark not just in the UK but also across Europe and America. Their legacy is a testament to the enduring spirit of performance and talent.

At the heart of the Zanetto story are five brothers — George, William (Pip), Arthur, Frank and Albert. George and Pip were the key members of the troupe with Albert and Frank and occasionally Arthur also performing to make up The Royal Zanettos. Originally known as The Zanettos, the troupe gained its "Royal" title after performing for the Tsar of Russia, a recognition that elevated their act to new heights. Dressed in Japanese-inspired costumes and makeup, the brothers mesmerized audiences with their juggling, traveling extensively throughout Europe and the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They became known not just for their skill but for their ability to bring a touch of the exotic and comedy to their performances, captivating audiences wherever they went.

Frank and Arthur also performed independently. Their brother Arthur also found his place in the entertainment world, performing on the London music hall circuit. In the 1901 census, he is recorded as a "Music Hall Artist," a reflection of how deeply rooted the performing arts were in the Bale family. Arthur’s career added another layer to their collective contribution to popular entertainment of the era.

Frank Bale, was a music hall singer, a juggler performing as Tyko Menia and after retiring from the Zanettos carving out his own unique identity as the Bognor clown, bringing joy to the seaside town for over 20 years. But the Bales were more than just performers. They were also publicans, managing establishments like The Ship in Margate, The Oak in Surbiton, The Tower on Westminster Bridge Road, and The Angel in Brixton. These pubs became community hubs, no doubt infused with the warmth and charisma of their owners.

Family life intertwined with their professional pursuits. George Bale married Jessica Prosser, known as "The Beautiful Jessica," a celebrated slack-wire artiste in her own right. Her fame matched that of her husband, and she even headlined performances with The Royal Zanettos.

Frank Bale’s personal life also reflected the blend of ordinary and extraordinary that characterized the Bales. Born on May 18, 1873, in Lambeth, Surrey, he followed in his family’s theatrical footsteps. In 1894, he married Kate Eliza McLellan, the daughter of a baker. They had three children: Dorothy Florence, Arthur Percy, and Violet Kathleen.

The family’s story is not without its share of tragedy. Arthur Percy Bale, one of Frank’s children, followed a different path, first as an entertainer and later as a soldier. He enlisted in the Second Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment during World War I and was killed on October 17, 1916, at the Somme, at the age of just 20. His sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the toll taken on so many families during that devastating conflict.

The Bale family’s journey is one of creativity, ambition, and perseverance. From juggling acts that toured the globe to quieter moments in their pubs or homes, they lived lives that balanced the extraordinary with the everyday. Their legacy is a snapshot of a time when the performing arts were at the heart of popular culture, and their contributions continue to be remembered with admiration and respect.

Intro by Tom Bale