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Looking for something to do in the Easter holidays? Get ready to dive into a world of swashbuckling adventure and family fun at Pirates Live!, a show at the legendary Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth!
About the Hippodrome Circus
Built in 1903 by circus showman George Gilbert, the Hippodrome is one of the only purpose-built circus buildings that still stands! Over the years, the building has been host to a number of amazing events and performers such as The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Julian Moscow State Circus, Chinese State Circus, Circus of Horrors and even BBC Question Time
The building was purchased by Peter Jay in 1979, who went on to restore the sinking floor in 1981. The Hippodrome is still in the Jay family, with Jack Jay as ringmaster! In the summer months you can enjoy the summer spectacular, with other shows with pirate or Halloween themes and the Christmas spectacular in winter.
Contact and address
St. Georges Road (behind the CIRCUS CIRCUS Amusement Arcade)
Great Yarmouth
Norfolk
NR30 2EU
Box Office: 01493 738877
Email address: hippodromecircus@gmail.com
Website: https://hippodromecircus.com
Parking at the Hippodrome
The Great Yarmouth Hippodrome does not have parking facilities. However, there are plenty of public (paid) car parks, most of which are a short walk away.
Pirates Live! Great Yarmouth Hippodrome
Starting at the end of March and covering the Easter break, the Great Yarmouth Hippodrome Circus is back with a brand new swashbuckling pirate water show. This show is a bit different as half of the legendary hippodrome arena is taken up by a life size pirate galleon. This means that there isn’t the usual amount of seating and can easily sell out. The good news is, that there aren’t really any bad seats in the house and you can see the action from pretty much anywhere.
A swashbuckling pirate themed set
Join Jack Jay and Johnny Mac as they set sail and take on a wicked pirate who wants to take all of the treasure and glory for himself. The live show is set in front of a huge galleon, which sits behind the famous Hippodrome water pool. Sadly, the pool isn’t used like in the Water Spectaculars which was a bit of a shame. Although a great way to set out the ship and the idea of being on an island, it felt like a missed opportunity.
World-class circus performers
Along with host Jack Jay and Johnny Mac the show is filled with a cast of swashbuckling pirates. The large cast of circus performers is a real asset to the show and helps to make it as exciting as it is. Each of the Hippodrome’s four shows are different so you won’t see the same acts at each one. We love going and knowing there will be the surprise of what an amazing cast of actors there will be this time. You can expect a range of acts such as contortionists, aerial artistry, trapeze artistes, and stunt performers. Each act is phenomenal and there’s something to please everyone. This is a family show and while some of the tricks might come with a bit of danger, they are all still very enjoyable.
Comedy duo Jack Jay and Johnny Mac
Comedy duo Jack and Johnny offer some hilarious pirate comedy scenes throughout the show. Although they are always funny, I think this year they have outdone themselves. We visited with Erin who is 8, as well as Grandma, and we were all laughing so hard our faces hurt. Johnny is back with his signature catchphrase ‘I’m enjoying myself’ which always has Erin laughing throughout.
Pirates Live! at the Great Yarmouth Hippodrome is a great addition to their set of shows and one we really enjoyed! There really is something for all ages in this show and of course, being pirate-themed, you’re welcome to dress up if you want to.
FAQ
When do the doors open?
The doors open roughly 35 minutes before Pirates Live! starts.
How long does the show last?
Pirates Live! lasts around 2 hours.
Is there an interval?
There is a 20-minute interval in the middle of the show. There is an announcement a few minutes before the show is due to begin again.
Can I buy refreshments at the Hippodrome?
The Hippodrome offers a range of soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, children’s drinks and snacks both before a show and during the interval. Snacks include popcorn, sweets, ice cream and nachos.
