Artists' Round Table: Charles Elkins Tells Circus History

The scent of history and the vivid memory of the glorious world of the ring recently filled our museum. In a new edition of our popular format, the Artists' Round Table with Charles Elkins, guests experienced a unique journey through time. Charmingly and expertly hosted by Martin Radinger, Charles Elkins – a pillar of Austrian entertainment art – offered exclusive insights into a family dynasty that shaped Vienna and the international circus world for generations.

From Hernals to the World: The Roots of the Gschwandner Family

The story does not begin in a circus tent, but in Viennese Biedermeier. Charles Elkins spoke visibly moved about his ancestor Johann Gschwandner, who founded the legendary establishment on Hernalser Hauptstraße in 1840. What began as a wine tavern developed into an institution with magnificent salons for 500 guests. But the family's bloodline pushed out into the world. His grandfather and father eventually founded the era of Circus Gschwandner, with the stage name "Elkins" being adopted during an engagement in Holland.

A Life in the Ring: The "Frog King" and the Hard School

Charles himself was already standing in the ring at the age of four – literally on his father's hand. His performance as the "Frog King" became legendary, an acrobatic masterpiece as a contortionist (Klischnigg) that he perfected over twelve years. "You have to stay completely straight and stiff," he recalled the first lessons from his father, who was considered a strict teacher. This iron discipline would later pave the way for another world star.

How Freddy Quinn Learned to "Fib" and Drive a Tractor at the Circus

A special highlight of the evening was the moment when the conversation turned to one of the family's most famous companions: Freddy Quinn. Before he stormed the charts as a singing sailor, the young Freddy – then about 17 years old – found refuge at Circus Gschwandner.

"I owe my career to my old circus director," Elkins quoted the world star from his autobiography. Freddy Quinn desperately wanted to join the circus, but there was a problem: He played guitar, but the circus was looking for a saxophonist. He quickly got himself an old instrument, practiced for a few days in the cellar, and fibbed during the audition in front of Charles' father: He couldn't play right now because his lips were completely ruined from all the practice. He was hired – less for the saxophone, and more because he could pitch in.

Charles recalled with amusement that Freddy's favorite activity was driving the ancient Hanomag tractor. But the time at Circus Gschwandner was no walk in the park: "Freddy learned from my Papa that kind of discipline that borders on blind obedience," Elkins explained. This toughness and the absolute reliability in the ring, where a mistake could be life-threatening, shaped Quinn for his entire life.

From the Circus Wagon to the Burgtheater

Charles Elkins' own path eventually led away from the sawdust, but never away from the stage. He became one of the first freelance employees of ORF in 1956 and celebrated successes as an actor. He was especially proud to report on his engagement at the Burgtheater, where he performed under directing greats such as Heinrich Schnitzler. "Every person is an actor, you just can't let yourself be talked into anything," was his inspiring conclusion about moving between worlds.

Become Part of Our Community!

This evening was once again proof of how alive the history of performing arts remains within our walls. We cordially invite you to join us next time!

Visit us regularly: Our Artists' Round Table takes place at fixed intervals at our museum. The best part: Admission is free! Immerse yourself in a world of anecdotes, facts, and unforgettable circus moments.

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We look forward to seeing you – in the ring of memories!