Peter and Christine with guitar legend Duane Eddy
Steeped in history and still buzzing...
Welcome to the amazing Hippodrome dubbed as one of the seven wonders of the British seaside by the Daily Mail. The Historic Hippodrome is Britain’s only surviving Total circus building, built in 1903 by the legendary circus showman George Gilbert. Throughout the century the intimate arena has played host to an incredible variety of entertainment, from amazing water spectacles and stage shows to cinema and cine variety and even wartime use as a military practice shooting range! – Apart from al ways presenting the very best in circus, Lloyd George held political rallies here – Lillie Langtry sang, Little Tich clowned, Max Miller joked, Houdini escaped, the world’s finest clowns and circus personalities performed – ALL experienced the Hippodrome’s unique atmosphere. It’s likely that even Charlie Chaplin performed here as a child actor before finding fame in America. In recent years the Hippodrome has played host to The Berlin Symphony Orchestra, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Julian Lloyd Webber and The Russian Philharmonic, The Ladyboys of Bangkok, Moscow State Circus, Chinese State Circus, Circus of Horrors, BBC Question Time, BBC Concert Orchestra, featured in Susan Calman’s Channel 5 programme, the film setting for the feature film Malice in Wonderland with Danny Dyer, The Kooks and the legendary Duane Eddy, Billy Bragg and even Shakespeare! We restored the water spectacle for my first produced circus show in 1981, having brought the building in 1979, the water has been a major part of our unique show ever since.
Have a great time and enjoy the show and this incredible building – described in the EDP as a “treasure”. It’s been an amazing honour to have owned the Hippodrome for the past 44 years.
Peter Jay Hippodrome owner
Welcome
It’s always a pleasure to welcome people to this magical building, as soon as you enter this legendary arena you can sense the 120 years of history.
We cant wait for you to experience this truly breathtaking show, a show that once again brings together to worlds very best circus talent. It is our mission and passion to continue to be at the very forefront of the circus industry and The Hippodrome is now firmly established as one of the most iconic and respected shows across the Britain and the world.
So welcome to the magic, excitement, hilarity, warmth and amazement of LIVE entertainment. Take your seats and experience The Greatest Show....
Jack Jay Producer & Director
Over a hundred years of circus memorabilia. You can visit the museum after every circus and water spectacular.
As seen on television programmes: Salvage Hunters with Drew Pritchard, Antiques Road Trip and on BBC's Flog It! with Paul Martin.
After the show visit the Circus Museum backstage, the entrance is under the ring entrance opposite the drum stage.
ADULTS £1 | Children 50P
Dune Bar & Restaurant
Peter Jay bought this legendary building in 1978 and it soon became the cornerstone of an already thriving entertainment company. Jays World of Entertainment also includes The Windmill Theatre which now houses an amazing indoor adventure golf, The Empire Theatre and The Royalty, now an ARC multiplex cinema. Peter is close to celebrating 44 years in the circus, and is recognised as one of the leading visionaries and pioneers of the art form. On top of the Hippodrome he also spent 9 years at The Tower Circus and 6 years at The Superdome in Blackpool. He has also produced and directed summer seasons with some of the biggest names in show business including Cilla Black, Michael Barrymore, Freddie Starr, Sid James and Jim Davidson. Before he even began producing shows he had a pop career was the drummer of Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers, a successful group in the sixties who toured extensively with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner and The Beach Boys. Peter’s band was the first ever seen by young David Jones who was so impressed by the big saxophone sound (he was a sax player) that he changed his stage name to David Jay before becoming the immortal David Bowie. Now Peter is the artistic curator of The Hippodrome, he oversaw the creation of The Hippodrome Backstage Museum and continues to add to the magical atmosphere of this building’s interior. Peter’s wife Christine Jay is in charge of the mammoth task of securing the amazing circus talent that we see each year and ensuring their safe passage into and around the UK. Months before the start of each show she is
beginning discussions with government agencies to secure work permits and visas.
She also has a longstanding link to the entertainment heritage of Great Yarmouth as the daughter of legendary Yarmouth Showman Gordon Edwards, we created the much loved Garibaldi and Ocean Room entertainment venues.
The day to day running of the building, alongside show creation and direction is now done by Peter and Christine’s sons Ben and Jack Jay . Ben is the general manager of the building and the Ocean Rooms, he oversees the vast staff operations, including front of house, promotional and performing artists.
Ben’s experience is vast in live show production, beginning in stage management across theatres in Great Yarmouth and then pioneering a new approach to circus lighting that has revolutionised the industry. The Hippodrome now produces 4 shows a year,
which requires a great deal of technical planning, so it really is a 365 days a year job.
His fiancée Estelle Clifton is the choreographer for all Hippodrome productions, she works closely with the family to execute the artistic vision of each new production. This is not just the dance elements of the show but also includes all the swimming routines. Before coming to The Hippodrome she performed for many years in live shows and TV appearances including the Royal Variety Performance. Alongside the integral production work she does for each show she is also the Principle of Dance Estelle a hugely successful dance school based here in the building. Through her 20 years here she has nurtured so much amazing talent that has gone on to perform professionally in our world class shows. In fact some of the dancers you see today have been with Estelle since they were just 5 years old!
Jack Jay is the producer and director of The Hippodrome circus, he has grown up at this circus and had his first job aged just 7 spinning plates before the show. He has appeared for the last 11 years as the host of the show, alongside his responsibilities as producer. Jack has overseen the creation of 2 awarding winning new shows here at The Hippodrome and continues to push the shows to new heights. Jack an avid football fan has just been voted Yarmouth Town’s new President. Each season sees new challenges for the whole family as they continue to push the boundaries, attempting to make each show bigger and better. The artistic vision of Jack is brought to life by the tireless hard work of Christine, the technical and logistical work of Ben and the choreography of Estelle. Peter’s longstanding dream to create the greatest circus venue in the world continues to expand and be pushed forward by this family team.
Jack Jay and Johnny Mac debuted as a comedy double act back in the Hippodrome’s 2009 Summer Spectacular ‘CELEBRATE’. Over the last 14 years they have become family favourites across the nation with their original comedy skits that have left everyone from children to grandparents laughing from start to finish. Your host Jack Jay is the youngest son of Peter and Christine Jay. Alongside performing in The Hippodrome’s annual shows he has also established himself as a renowned professional presenter.
His presenting has won him 2 prestigious Royal Television Society Awards and in 2012 Jack was host for all the Shooting eventsat the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He now is the voice of the International Shooting Sport Federation travelling the world at their world cup events. Alongside Johnny, Jack writes, produces and directs the Hippodrome award winning productions throughout the year including Easter show Pirates Live!, Summer Show, Halloween Spooktacular and Christmas Spectacular, recently being awarded the EDP Visit Norfolk Tourism Coastal Leisure Award.
Award winning comedian & actor Johnny Mac was born in Scotland and has been entertaining audience for more than 21 years. Throughout his career Johnny has raised countless cruise ships and even as warm up for TV audiences. Without question Johnny is one of the most sought after pantomime stars in the country. He has appeared in some of the biggest theatres including the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh, the SECC Armadillo, The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow, and The Kings Theatre Glasgow, attracting critical acclaim. This year Johnny’s pantomime won acclaim and has won best pantomime. Johnny has toured all over the UK with his stand-up shows and starred in many venues during their popular summer seasons. Since 2009 Johnny has appeared at the Hippodrome Theatre, Great Yarmouth, in the summer and autumn holiday shows heading up the cast in their critically acclaimed productions of “Pirates Live” and “Halloween Spooktacular”. As well as starring in the shows, Johnny co-writes all the productions with Jack Jay and is delighted to be celebrating his 13th summer season at the hippodrome. He says it is like a second home and loves performing here.
Tamara Bustos – Head girl
Tamara has trained since a young age and went on to gain a national diploma in dance, after being a former student she has now gone on to be a teachers for the in-house dance company “Dance Estelle”. Tamara has been a dancer & synchronised swimmer at the Hippodrome for over 12 years where she also performs fire in all inhouse shows. She is excited to be returning for another season as head girl.
Ellie Lowe
Ellie trained at Dance Estelle and moved on to study at Evolution Foundation College & Master’s Performing Arts. Ellie has been assisting in ‘Dance Estelle’ for 4 years where she enjoys guiding the younger generation in dance. She excited to perform at the Hippodrome Circus for her 4th year.
Kyra Foyster
Kyra has been dancing with Estelle Clifton since the age of 3. She has just completed the level 3 extended Diploma of Performing Arts at City College, Norwich and is leaving to go to the University of Lincoln to study dance after the season. She is thrilled to be back dancing for her second season here at this beautiful venue.
Gemma Lea Stanton
Gemma Lea has been a dancer & synchronised swimmer at the Hippodrome Circus for the last 6 years. She is a recent graduate of London Studio Centre, where she achieved her BA HONS Degree in Theatre Dance. She has trained in many dance styles and loves all aspects of performing and cannot wait to be back for another summer season here at The Hippodrome.
Shania Wright
Shania has been dancing since the age of 3 where she started as a ballroom dancer and qualified and competed at Blackpool tower. She continued her passion to dance onto college graduating with an A*. She has done many seasons at the Hippodrome Circus over the course of 6 years dancing and swimming. She also does fire performances and has been featured as a magician assistant which has taken her all over the country and different parts of the world.
Olivia Farnese
Olivia started dancing with Estelle in 2012 and then went on to Wilkes Academy Performing Arts obtaining a diploma after 3 years of professional training and graduated in 2019. Olivia has travelled world-wide with different cabaret shows and is thrilled to be back dancing in this stunning venue.
Lucy Rollason
Lucy started her training at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London and then went on to train at the renowned Cambridge performing arts Bodywork Company Dance studios. Since graduating Lucy has appeared in many professional TV and stage productions. Lucy also owns the “Rollason Stage School” teaching young talent in Norfolk. Lucy has performed at The Hippodrome since 2019 and is thrilled to back for another fabulous season!
Macy Hodgson
Macy started dancing with the Rollason Stage School at just 4 years old training in performing arts where she has gained platinum awards in many of her accredited BTDA exams. Macy started performing professionally at just 15. Macy is a teacher at the ‘Rollason Stage School' and is excited to be performing in her first season at the Hippodrome Circus.
Caitlin Ward
Caitlin has been training in all aspects of performing arts from a young age. She enjoys singing, free style dancing and often does character performances. Caitlin ’s very excited for her second summer season at The Hippodrome Circus and hopefully many more!
Tiffany Calder
Tiffany has danced since the age of 3 at Dance Estelle and now has a level 3 extended diploma in performing Arts. Tiffany has also recently taken on teaching performing arts and has performed in many dance shows with ‘Dance Estelle’ and the ‘Elite’ Cabaret Group. To perform at the Hippodrome circus has been a lifelong ambition and she has spent many years working exceptionally hard to achieve this. She is so grateful to be given this opportunity to be back at The Hippodrome.
Swings:
Georgia King
Georgia has completed her training with ‘Dance Estelle’ here at The Hippodrome. Whilst in training she has performed as part of the ‘Elite’ cabaret troupe that performs at various entertainment venues and events. She is currently studying dance at East Norfolk 6th Form College in performing arts. Georgia is thrilled be picked for a swing position for her first summer season.
Maddison Ward
Maddison has been dancing with ‘Estelle Clifton’ from a very young age. She is now working towards her level 3 extended diploma in performing arts at City College, Norwich. She is excited the be selected for swing for her first summer season here at The Hippodrome Circus as it’s been a lifetime goal for her.
Tamara Bustos Gemma Stanton Lucy Rollason Ellie Lowe Olivia Farnese Kyra Foyster Shanai Wright Tiffany Calder Georgia King Caitlin Ward Macy Hodgson Maddison Ward
One of Great Yarmouth’s historic venues is THE WINDMILL ADVENTURE GOLF. Britain’s craziest indoor golf course at the landmark 1908 Windmill Theatre created by BEN and PETER JAY . With an amazing film set style themed course. Featuring A journey through Jurassic times with Dinosaurs, Underground Pirate Caves, Putt along the streets of New York along with some familiar truly SUPER characters!!
It also has an incredible range of cinema and theatre memorabilia and collectables from Peter Jays’ private collection. It has become a seaside favourite for all ages! Formerly one of Britain’s first cinemas then Britain’s second ever children’s indoor play area the much loved ‘WALLY’S WINDMILL ’, then a RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT odditorium and then a wax works – the crazy golf is the Windmills longest running production in a theatre.
Aqua Play Sessions
at Marina Centre
Experience out amazing Aqua Play, fire the water cannons and dodge the mega bucket! Try the junior slide or two flumes which twist and turn outside the building.
(Flume riders must be over 102cm) Clip N Climb at Marina Centre
Improve water confidence & swimming technique with our small teaching groups
Indoor climbing experience with multiple challenges to conquer! Enjoy a day on the wall testing the whole family with their skills and speed.
(Minimum age 4yrs)
at Marina Centre Giant InflataZone with slides and obstacles to entertain your little ones. Let them burn some energy, while you sit back and relax.
Aqua Play, InflataZone and Clip N Climb parties available Email: marina.reception@freedom-leisure.co.uk to enquire about party packages.
Open 7 days a week
Head over to Gorleston Beach!
DANCE ESTELLE gives youngsters a chance to get involved in the dynamic world of showbiz in an exciting, safe and educational way working with professional teachers. Combining dance, synchronised swimming and much more from the age of 3 years through to a professional level. Estelle Clifton is East Anglia’s most successful choreographer and teacher, personally teaching the exciting and dynamic
classes. Estelle’s aim is to mentally and physically prepare a student from a young age ready to further their training and achieve their goal in show business. For further details on any classes contact Estelle Clifton on: 07787 890885 , www.danceestelle.com, danceestelle@hotmail.co.uk or Facebook – Estelle Clifton (Dance Estelle)
AT ELLOUGH PARK RACE CIRCUIT
Step out of the norm, leave the mundane behind. For ages 8 years and up. Experience outdoor karting on our 1100m British Championship Circuit in 390cc karts.
Benacre Road, Ellough, Near Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 7XD
T: 01502 717718 E: info@elloughpark.co.uk www.elloughpark.co.uk
Party packages start from £60 with a choice of themes and sensory play. Email littledotsinfo@gmail.com for more information or to book your little ones party.
https://www.facebook.com/littledotsbaby Massage and Yoga Classes also available . Check out our Facebook for more information!
