With the greatest of Ease

Zippos Circus
The Quarry
11^th-16^th June (Matinees available)

It has become apparent that the people of Shrewsbury, love a good circus. So, it’s a good job Zippos is a good circus and its only getting better. Zippos Circus has been coming to Shrewsbury every year for many years. Offering the ultimate in Circus experiences, Zippos this year is celebrating it’s 40^th year on the road and during those four decades, Zippo’s have brought themselves to the fore of British travelling Circuses and Shrewsbury is lucky to host. This is a town that excepts the best in most things. Zippos has secured a place in that bringing the best in Circus today and the audience love it.

Quite apart from  faces we have seen in the Quarry before, like the Pint sized, smallest showman in the world, at 3ft 6” Paulo Dos Santos is always  welcome back he oozes Circus and Circus skills, he might only be 3ft 6” but he is a giant in the world of Circus and Shrewsbury folk love him, to see Jackie Louise up in the throes of her aerial act is breath taking. But there are more acts, new acts and how well it all works.

The atmosphere at the start of the show is wonderful. People milling, finding the best seats, performers wander amongst the audience selling all the stuff that you must have. Candy Floss, pop Corn and twizzly lighting sticks. The excitement and tension start to build as people know they are in the presence of a great circus and are due for a great show. This reviewer is delighted to inform you that it is as ever, a great show.

Todd the ringmaster, traditionally decked in his red tails practised his trade well and demand respect from performers and audience alike. Crucial that the Ringmaster gives off an air authority but still cannot afford to be too fierce. They keep the show running and Todd is a great Ringmaster ticking the traditional box of a real circus performer.

As we talk of tradition it was great to see the fully white-faced clown. One of the oldest types of clowns known to man, Francesco Beeloo was perfect in this role and as there was a white faced clown in the first ever Zippos back in 1986, it makes sense that in this year of their 40^th year they return back toi the traditional icons of the circus. A white-Faced clown is almost the biggest of these icons and in their face, one sees centuries of tradition, Francesco makes a great white face, and it was great to see such traditional skills.

The Cross Bow act is breathtaking, and one finds oneself hoping everything passes of well and Jackie Louise, who stands before a row of cross bows, and at the point when five bolts are shot towards her at once it’s edge of the seat stuff.

One thing Zippo’s always does well on is their aerial acts. To see Paulo Dos Santos flying around above our heads making it look easy. It’s a fantastic skill and I know it calls for phenomenal strength to make this an effective spectacle. Zippo’s do it brilliantly. One was impressed with the incredible aeroplane act. It has a full narrative with pilot and passenger falling out at one time or another. This was a delightful act.

The Sphere of Death, which is a large steel globe, entered by motorcycles, the riders fly around the inside of the sphere, and you again hold your breath hoping nothing goes wrong. It looks thrillingly dangerous.

With balancing and contortionism from the Sunset Sisters and people flying with the Fast Track Tumblers this is the show with everything. It is packed with something for everyone. It is a great show and in fact fulfils the description officially attributed to Circuses. The greatest show on earth. Well, I think PT Barnum came up with the catchphrase but Zippo’s prove it to be true. They are here all week.

I strongly recommend you take a look at this great traditional family thrilling Circus. Zippos will always be welcome back.

This is a Five Star Review.

Sofia Lewis