Hippodrome Circus — Attraction in Great Yarmouth

This was our first visit to the hippodrome and we weren't quite sure what to expect. The building is in a side street and looks rather unremarkable. About two minutes away by foot is a pleasure promenade, which is extremely overcrowded.. Parking is a little tricky, but we did manage to get the last parking spot at the pay and display car park around the corner by the beach (very expensive at £12.80 for three hours). Anyway, once you get there you enter through a small foyer where you can buy popcorn, candy floss, nachos and drinks to very reasonable prices. We were sat in the yellow stalks, third row up and those seats were great. The show itself was amazing. Modern, upbeat music, flashy lights and traditional circus acrobats. Everything was really well executed and the cast managed to keep the attention of the visitors at boiling point. The show included jugglers, rope dancers, motorbikes (4!) in a cage, dancers, balancers and a clown (not in make up), covering set ups of new equipment. After the interval the high octane continued. Before we left we read about the hippodrome being one of only two purpose built circus buildings left in the UK. We also read that the stage floor can transform into a pool. We weren't sure if that feature would enhance a show particularly. Well, we were so wrong. The fast transformation to a deep pool with water features all around is amazing and the following acts being carried out around this backdrop made the whole experience stunning and beautiful. It is a once in a lifetime experience and I wished we lived closer so we could visit more often. If you haven't booked any tickets yet, then you are...

The circus in Great Yarmouth is nothing short of spectacular! From the moment you step inside the venue, there’s a buzz of excitement in the air that sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. The show is a dazzling mix of breathtaking acrobatics, edge-of-your-seat motorcycle stunts inside this huge metal ball, comedy, music, and sheer artistry. I was even impressed by the live drummer (being a musician myself)

They have acts from around the world who all being their own amazing talents to make the show what it is.

The performers are world-class, blending daring skill with perfect timing and creativity. One moment you’re holding your breath as acrobats soar through the air with unbelievable grace, and the next you’re laughing along with the two comperes whose comic timing keeps all ages entertained. The variety is brilliant—there truly is something for everyone.

What makes this circus stand out is its attention to detail: the lighting, music, costumes, and choreography all combine to create a magical atmosphere. You don’t just watch a show—you’re taken on a journey that makes you forget the outside world for a couple of hours. We were also blown away by the hidden swimming pool which took us by surprise.

It’s a rare thing these days to find entertainment that captivates both children and adults so completely, but this circus achieves it effortlessly. Whether you’re a family looking for fun, a couple on a night out, or simply someone who loves live performance, this is a must-see.

I can honestly say it was one of the best live shows I’ve seen in years—an absolute gem....

Having a pair of pre teen boys, I would have thought that going to the circus would be 'uncool'....how wrong am I?! 3 years ago we attended the Hippodrome Circus as something we hadn't done before (like most things that you do as a one off), this however has been a very different experience which saw us return again and again.

Standing at 100 years old, the theatre is steeped in history and has been gorgeously, yet sympathetically preserved, beautifully presented with amazing staff make you want to return anyway before you even get to the fantastic seasonal shows.

I am lucky enough to have seen all but the Easter show and the museum, which I will be seeing in Easter 2024, so have covered the Christmas special, Halloween Spooktacular and the Summer Spectacular...mine and my children's personal favourite is the Summer Spectacular, especially for the motorbikes! Gets me every time how they get more than 1 motorcycle and rider in a small steel ball.

Little tip though (for the shows involving water), don't sit too close to the front if you don't like getting wet....but if you like getting wet and/or covered in other things, you will have...