With the blockbuster movie "The Greatest Showman" giving the profile of circus entertainment a boost I was curious to see if a live performance in a real Big Top would prove as popular with today's mostly screen-stimulated audience.
Attending a Press Preview event recently organised by Zippos to promote the 2019 show, "The Magnificent Top Hat", I was delighted to see that all the children in my party were spell-bound, amazed and entertained throughout by the talent in the circus ring.
The event was held at Zippo's Mega Dome in Blackheath, London and after picking up popcorn and candy floss plus colourful light sabres we headed ringside where tiered seating meant everyone got a pretty good view.
We were all blown away by the talented people who put on a tremendous show. From the Mongolian contortion artist to acrobats from the Cuban State Circus, Timbuktu Tumblers from Africa to the Czech knife throwing expert, Zippo's 2019 show is an international smorgasbord of thrilling acts which make the time in the tent fly by.
No "Greatest Showman" fakery here - each performer proved they were genuinely talented, often multi-skilled appearing in a number of segments showing off their skills.
My youngest son was particularly impressed by Brazilian Paulo dos Santos who opens the 2019 show with a comedy routine playing on his height - he is just 3ft 6 inches tall, even shorter than my ten year old son. However, Paulo is not just in the show because of his size.
British talent was well represented with a number of home-grown performers taking to the ring and the air above it, but the most famous Brit in the big top was Ringmaster Norman Barrett MBE who this year celebrates 21 years with Zippo's Circus.
For me, the showstopper was "The Globe Of Terror" where intrepid motorcyclists from The Lucius Team speed round a steel cage at over 60 miles an hour. At one point 5 bikers whiz round at the same time then turn their lights off!
Even the cynical youngsters with me who have access to the wonders of the world via YouTube were blown away by this performance in particular - although they weren't so astounded that they forgot to film the whole thing with their smartphones.
My photo does not do the act justice -check out the hashtag #ZipposCircus on Instagram and you will see a host of videos featuring the globe shared by lots of circus-goers who were obviously equally impressed by this audacious act.
I left the tent feeling exhilarated and entertained and glad I'd been able to share this unique genre of theatre with a new generation of fans.
If you fancy experiencing all the fun and excitement of Zippos Circus it will be touring the UK between now and the end of October. There are special deals available for birthday parties and community groups including schools.You can check out all the details of performance locations and prices on their website.
Disclaimer: I was invited to the Zippos Circus press preview of the 2019 show "The Magnificent Top Hat" free of charge for the purpose of writing this honest review.
Attending a Press Preview event recently organised by Zippos to promote the 2019 show, "The Magnificent Top Hat", I was delighted to see that all the children in my party were spell-bound, amazed and entertained throughout by the talent in the circus ring.
The event was held at Zippo's Mega Dome in Blackheath, London and after picking up popcorn and candy floss plus colourful light sabres we headed ringside where tiered seating meant everyone got a pretty good view.
We were all blown away by the talented people who put on a tremendous show. From the Mongolian contortion artist to acrobats from the Cuban State Circus, Timbuktu Tumblers from Africa to the Czech knife throwing expert, Zippo's 2019 show is an international smorgasbord of thrilling acts which make the time in the tent fly by.
No "Greatest Showman" fakery here - each performer proved they were genuinely talented, often multi-skilled appearing in a number of segments showing off their skills.
My youngest son was particularly impressed by Brazilian Paulo dos Santos who opens the 2019 show with a comedy routine playing on his height - he is just 3ft 6 inches tall, even shorter than my ten year old son. However, Paulo is not just in the show because of his size.
He pops up throughout the show adding moments of humour but demonstrates his impressive muscles are not just for show with his acrobatic moves and a spectacular aerial show with Hungarian Laci Fossett.
British talent was well represented with a number of home-grown performers taking to the ring and the air above it, but the most famous Brit in the big top was Ringmaster Norman Barrett MBE who this year celebrates 21 years with Zippo's Circus.
For me, the showstopper was "The Globe Of Terror" where intrepid motorcyclists from The Lucius Team speed round a steel cage at over 60 miles an hour. At one point 5 bikers whiz round at the same time then turn their lights off!
Even the cynical youngsters with me who have access to the wonders of the world via YouTube were blown away by this performance in particular - although they weren't so astounded that they forgot to film the whole thing with their smartphones.
My photo does not do the act justice -check out the hashtag #ZipposCircus on Instagram and you will see a host of videos featuring the globe shared by lots of circus-goers who were obviously equally impressed by this audacious act.
I left the tent feeling exhilarated and entertained and glad I'd been able to share this unique genre of theatre with a new generation of fans.
If you fancy experiencing all the fun and excitement of Zippos Circus it will be touring the UK between now and the end of October. There are special deals available for birthday parties and community groups including schools.You can check out all the details of performance locations and prices on their website.
Disclaimer: I was invited to the Zippos Circus press preview of the 2019 show "The Magnificent Top Hat" free of charge for the purpose of writing this honest review.