A sinister laugh resounds from the floor to the rafters of Britain’s oldest static circus building, telling us instantly that we’re in for a thriller.
The hisses and boos of the audience echo loudly around the majestic Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth when Mr Mullins, the evil fairground owner, lays out his fiendish plans to capture local heroes Jack Jay and Johnny Mac.
The Hippodrome is the country’s last remaining venue constructed entirely for circus, an historic building brought to life through it’s joyful performers.
My five-year-old daughter cowers in fear watching death-defying stunts by acrobats suspended mid-air. Moments later my nine-year-old falls back into her seat in fits of giggles over jokes meant to entertain the adults in the audience.
We watch in awe as a contortionist squeezes herself into a small box, clap with delight at a seemingly impossible aerial stunt and cheer loudly when doltish Johnny saves the day and stops the villainous Mullins – played bewitchingly by James Franklin.
After the superb show we stroll through the belly of the historic building to its museum, which is home to props and posters of bygone years. The artefacts – some more than 120 years old – conjure images of the hundreds of shows enjoyed before ours.
In 1903, when the Hippodrome was built, Great Yarmouth was a popular summer seaside destination and has been ever since. But on a winter short break with my family, I’m eager to discover its winter charms.
Our home away from home during our trip to Norfolk is Rose Cottage, a cosy gem tucked away in the quaint village of Winterton-on-Sea, a 20-minute drive north along the coast from Great Yarmouth. A log burner at the heart of the snug living room is perfect for cooler evenings.
Up to four guests can stay across the two comfortable bedrooms and four-legged friends are also welcome at the self-catering cottage, which lies just a stone’s throw away from Winterton’s sandy beaches.
At the beach, the sun blazes down on miles and miles of golden sand, stretching as far as the eye can see. Families play with pet dogs, horse…
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