Circus owners fear the big top might fold for good Circus families say they are being unfairly treated when it comes to Covid-19 supports about 7 hours ago Circus Gerbola founders Michael and Tara Gerbola at their Meath base: they were forced to stop their tour in March 2020 and fear they may not reopen. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw Traditional circuses may “never reopen” after the coronavirus pandemic, circus owners are warning. Among those facing the end of the road is Circus Gerbola, founded 20 years ago by Michael and Tara Gerbola. Both are from circus families, have been circus artists since childhood and describe their business as “our life, our identity, what we do”.