Zippos Circus at Hove Review

Reviewed by Gina Reedy

A brilliant spectacle!
The colourful, dynamic Zippos Circus 2021 performance, Carnival, is on tour throughout the UK and currently being performed at the Big Top in Hove, Brighton. The show is an exciting mix of talented acts from around the world, in the perfect Big Top venue.

Having not seen a circus for quite a few years it was with real excitement that we drove to Hove. As we turned onto the seafront road the anticipation significantly increased on seeing the magnificent red and white Big Top.
Parking is really simple as the King Alfred car park is just across the road, on the seafront, next to the ticket booth and entrance to Zippos. It costs £4 for 3 hours. (The show was 2 hours)

Tickets can be bought in advance or at the booth on the day (numbers permitting).

The entrance to the impressive big top is wide and welcoming with the circus staff beautifully presented in immaculate uniforms. They are very welcoming and directions are easy to follow. In the foyer area there is the opportunity to buy food and drinks ranging from Candyfloss to Burgers and water to Slushies. There is a buggy/push chair parking area, under cover in the foyer, and there are toilet facilities adjacent to the Big Top. Everything feels clean and well maintained.

As we were escorted to our ringside seats I was struck by how impressive the size of the marquee was. The work that had been done in refurbishing and repairing all the circus equipment, during lockdown, has really paid off with quality showing throughout. Our chairs were comfortable and there is plenty of room throughout the grandstands.

There is a red white and blue theme carried in the velvet curtains; big top decor and varied spot lighting. The pre-performance atmosphere was built with smoke machines and carefully chosen music. And then the show began.

There is the right balance of the traditional circus acts, that we all know and love, and new, modern ones. The children in the audience particularly warmed to the clowns’ slapstick humour, as well as being stunned by the death-defying feats. The range of talented artistes and the variety in the show made the time pass quickly with more than 14 unique, professional acts. You will enjoy them all.

Whilst not wishing to ruin the surprise completely, these are a few of those acts: the spinning, gravity-defying wheel of steel; a beautiful acrobatic, aerial ballet; knife-throwing; foot juggling- how did he fire the bow and arrow with his feet?; through to the penultimate breath-taking Globe of Speed. The audience, both young and old clearly loved it, as their continued ovation for well over 10 minutes showed- such was the delight and fun had by all.
Zippos Circus is everything you can imagine it could be, and more. It is excellent value for money for a varied two hours of live entertainment. It is the perfect family entertainment, for all ages. After the restrictions of the previous year, this is the ideal antedote of joy, laughter and breath-holding spectacle. I will be coming back next year!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Price of tickets: Adults from £17.00 to £26.00 (plus £1.50 booking fee)
and Children from £13.00 to £20.00 (plus £1.50 booking fee)

Zippos Circus is at Hove from 29 July – 15 August 2021

For more information and to make a booking tickets can be bought from the Zippos website here.

Zippos Circus, Hove Lawns (by the Sea), Kingsway, Brighton, BN3 2PE