Nick Brimble was born in Bristol. His father was a schoolteacher, who was also a keen amateur actor, an activity in which Nick was involved on occasions as a child. For several summers, his father also managed the French/Czech high-wire act, the White Devils. When they toured Britain, the Brimble family travelled with them. In July 1961 he organised their blindfolded high-wire crossing of Cheddar Gorge. At the end of the season's tour of Britain, Nick travelled through France with the White Devils, helping as they set up and performed in towns as they went, and returning for the start of the autumn school term.