Zippos Circus performers 'excited' to be in Portsmouth for their first show since the pandemic

Performers from the beloved Zippos Circus said it ‘means the world’ to be able to return to the big top with the opening event of their new tour kicking off in Southsea Common on Tuesday.

Complete with social distancing measures that have been given the ‘we’re good to go’ stamp of approval from Visit Britain, the show is set to include everything else you’d expect including daring stunts and slapstick comedy.

For the first time ever a ringmistress will take the helm at the performance, taking over from legendary Zippos ringmaster Norman Barrett, who is shielding from the virus.

Ringmistress Tracy Jones said: ‘It’s so exciting to be here in Portsmouth. We have all been locked down for four months.

‘It means the world to us to be able to get back to doing what we love. I thought we wouldn’t be able to perform at all this year.’

The 52-year-old added: ‘The team has worked very hard to ensure it is safe for everyone.

‘People can come to watch in groups of up to six if they are in the same bubble, and groups will be separated by empty seats.

‘Everything is given a deep clean between shows and we have a one-way system in place.’

Ahead of their first performance the Bishop of Portsmouth Philip Egan blessed the Zippos Circus big top.

Some performers were ineligible for lockdown support due to their visas and the Bishop’s charity supported them.

Acrobat and comedian, Paulo dos Santos, who hails from Brazil was also ‘excited’ to get back out into the ring.

The 36-year-old, who stands at just more than 3ft 2in in heigh, has been a part of Zippos Circus for two years.

‘Lockdown has been so difficult for everyone,’ he said.

‘We hope the show will make lots of families happy and I can’t wait to make the kids laugh.’

The show will also feature sky walking, motorcycle stunts and knife throwing among other acts.

Tickets are available at zippos.co.uk or from the box office on the Southsea Common site at Duisberg Way.

The first first show will take place on Tuesday, August 4 at 7pm and the last one will be on Sunday, August 9 there will be one at 3pm. There are two performances each day.

Tickets start from £13.

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