This August we went on a family holiday to Great Yarmouth. We got the chance to visit some of the attractions that Great Yarmouth has to offer thanks to Visit Great Yarmouth. This included a trip to the Hippodrome Circus to see the Summer Circus and Water Spectacular. This is an absolutely amazing show and if you ever get the chance to visit whilst in Great Yarmouth you must.
The Historical Hippodrome Circus Building
George Gilbert, the legendary circus showman, built the Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth in 1903. There are only two purpose-built permanent circus buildings in England, the Great Yarmouth Hippodrome being one. Its other claim to fame is this building is one of only three in the world where the circus floor sinks to create a swimming pool. Peter Jay restored the pool for his first produced circus show at the Hippodrome in 1981. It has been part of the show ever since.
The Summer Circus and Water Spectacular
The Summer Circus and Water Spectacular really is an amazing show. This summer the show included the Rhythm Circus Company from Aruba. They are known for performing on America’s Got Talent and put on an amazing show. The show also includes jugglers, acrobats and dancers.
The show hosts Jack Jay and Johnny Mac, are funny and entertaining. They easily entertain both children and adults with their jokes. You must prepare yourselves as they do like using water in their jokes. You may get wet if sitting in lower seats.
Every act in the show had us on the edge of our seats. We were mesmerised by the performers. They also did make the audience have some heart-stopping moments too.
The Water Spectacular
What makes this circus show different from all the others is the Water Spectacular. Before your eyes, the arena is transformed into a giant swimming pool. The children couldn’t believe their eyes. I thought that the water would just be shallow but the swimmers had enough space to perfectly dive into and swim in the water.
Where Did We Sit In The Hippodrome Circus?
We were lucky enough to be given VIP seats. They were located in the first row of the circle. These seats had the perfect view and kept us free of all of the water antics between Jack Jay and Johnny Mac. From the positioning of the seats, I doubt there are any with a bad view in the Hippodrome. You are just closer or further away from the main action. If we get the chance to return to the Hippodrome I think I would book seats in the circle again.
Seasonal Hippodrome Circus Shows
There are different shows to see at the Hippodrome throughout the year. As well as the summer show there is a Halloween and Christmas show. For Easter 2023 there is also a new all-live-action water show called Pirates Live. I think they would all be amazing to watch.
DISCLOSURE – We received tickets to the Hippodrome Circus Great Yarmouth as a gift. This was for the purposes of this post. We always share our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, and experiences.
