Richard Miller

Richard Miller was destined to be a showman. Born in Toowoomba in 1946, Richard joined the fourth generation of Miller family show people. His great grandfather was a showman in England during the 1830s, founding what would become the oldest continuously operating show family still in business in Australia.

Richard’s childhood was far from conventional. The demanding show schedule left little time for formal schooling, but Richard learned everything there was to know about life as a showman. Growing up alongside the tricks and illusions that drew crowds no matter what show they were at, Richard learned how to wow, amuse and impress everyone that came to the show.

You've got to keep the people happy. In my games I always give a little kid a prize. Win, lose or draw it doesn't matter to me, I'm happy to see the kid smile and walk away because I know sooner or later they're going to come back and have another go. And that's the way you've got to run your business, you've got to work to the public, and that's how it goes.

For seven decades, Richard has followed in the footsteps of his parents, grandparents and great grandparents and dedicated his life to the show. His children, and now grandchildren – the fifth and sixth generations – are now doing the same.

When he was growing up, Richard was part of Sideshow Alley at the Royal Melbourne Show. In those days the Show was a rabbit warren of laneways with over 25 different tent shows housing popular performances including marionette theatres, illusions, snake shows, shooting galleries and boxing shows. Since the redevelopment, the showgrounds have changed dramatically. But for Richard, this is a positive thing. He sees the future of the Show as one that is ‘going to get bigger and better and brighter’.

‘The show must go on, that’s my motto’, Richard says, and it is something he’s lived his whole life by. ‘That’s the showbusiness way … you don’t retire, you just pass on.’ Richard’s passion for his showman’s life is evident in the collection of sideshow memorabilia he has amassed over his lifetime. With over 7000 photographs, film footage, penny arcade machines, illusions, dodgem-cars, carousels, posters, banners and the oldest amusement ride in Australia, Richard hopes one day to open a museum and share his amazing collection and passion with the world.