Disclosure- The AD is for a link at the bottom of this post for another Polar experience up based up North. However, this original post has been paid for by myself. The extremely popular and…
View PostAd- This is a collaborative post with Visit Great Yarmouth however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Great Yarmouth is always fantastic with lots for the kids and us to do. That being said, we are always looking for excitement and adventure and boy were we spoiled at the Hippodrome’s circus spectacular. I have been to many circus events and shows but I can honestly say, the Summer Spectacular at The Hippodrome is one of the best we have ever seen.
From the off, The Rhythm Circus Aruba, an acrobatic group from Aruba, were captivating us with acrobatic skills. An amazing entry into what the show will hold, they appeared later with their teeterboard routine, which was phenomenal! Launching high into the air performing flips and somersaults that at times made you lose your breath.
The juggling skills of Abraham, including his dance moves based on Michael Jackson was an amazing display of skill, eventually juggling up to 12 balls all at the same time! Followed by the lovely Ukrainian Olena Demchuk performing on the aerial straps, which is a show I have always loved. The artistry and skill in spinning and rolling within the straps has always captivated me.
Part way through the show the intermission gives you a chance to get some more snacks, ice cream and more drinks. There are a range of snacks to choose from including sweets (the kids favourite), nachos with either cheese or salsa, or popcorn and small ice creams to keep the kids happy.
The second half of the show kicked off with what can only be described as breath taking, with your heart in your throat every second of the performance. The Wheel of Death is an adrenalin inducing performance that will have your face in your hands from start to end as you gasp from the crazy and wild stunts from the Columbian daredevils. This is honestly one to watch!
The aerial tango with Duo Stellare and the aerial moon with Sara Jane Macaggi, are beautiful performances mixed with acrobatics, jaw dropping physical strength, grace and skill. However, just when you thought the show couldn’t get any better, the stage arena magically transforms into a vivid and colourful pool where the Hippodrome Circus Show Swimmers entertain and enhance the performances with their synchronised swimming.
All of this building to the crescendo of the end of the show, a wild and wonderful display of talent, skills, death defying stunts and beautiful art. From beginning to end we were all amazed with every act. The kids had a wonderful time enjoying every minute of it.
With all the amazing acts on display, one duo that pulled everything together with marvellous comedy and silly humour was the ring master Jack alongside his lovable sidekick, Johnny. This pair had the audience laughing with silly gags, puns and prop jokes and really kept the children (and us) engaged while the equipment was changed between acts.
With events run throughout the year, including the upcoming Halloween Spooktacular and Pirate show during Easter next year, the Hippodrome is an absolute must see for everyone, if you are in Great Yarmouth, and even if you are not, it is well worth the trip just to attend. The shows and performances are world class and from beginning to end will keep you entertained, engaged and amazed. All pulled together well with the humorous duo, Jack and Johnny.
For more Great Yarmouth reviews click here.
Ad- This is a collaborative post however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
After any great show you need a great meal, so what better place to go than to The Empire in Great Yarmouth who is owned by the same family as the Hippodrome. Set within the old iconic theatre, The Empire provides a quirky and exciting atmosphere where you can enjoy a wide range of different foods and drinks, including a cocktail bar, and craft beers.
When you arrive at the Empire, the place can seem a little daunting as there are three kitchens, two bars, a cocktail bar and plenty of space to sit. However, the process is very simple, with three kitchens you have three different food options to choose from. When we arrived, we had a burger bar, Mexican food stall serving only vegan and vegetarian options, and a pizza bar.
From time to time the kitchens will change bringing in new menus and food choices, so no month is exactly the same as another creating a dynamic and interesting eatery. Whats more is that with the choices, there was something for everyone – something we don’t always get in other restaurants.
Lydia has long been considering switching to a more vegetarian diet and the Mexican options were great for her. Emily is less adventurous so pizza was her choice of food. Leo, David and I are definitely more burger people, so opted for this menu instead.
The food was amazing! Lydia had never had Halloumi before and opted for the halloumi tacos. She had nothing but praise for the food and complimented the chef personally to say how lovely it was. Our burgers were amazing! From Leo’s triple stack, David’s Canberra burger and my chicken Kiev burger, we were absolutely stuffed by the time we finished.
The venue itself plays live music and the theatre’s ornate roof and building design really added to the whole atmosphere of the place. They also had a tree towards the end of the room which just worked so well along with the posters and wall designs, all set against old theatre, movie and television.
The tables have checkers and tic-tac-toe boards etched into the table top and counters are available from the bar so the kids could keep themselves amused playing games while the food was being prepared. Lydia, having never played checkers before, held her own and won most games she played (much to Leo’s disappointment).
The staff were super friendly and helpful and the entire experience is out of this world. We thoroughly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for authentic food from a wide choice of kitchens, with great beer, live music and an amazing atmosphere.
The Empire is located along the Marine Parade, NR30 2HF. For more reviews on things to do around Great Yarmouth, have a look at my places to visit guide.
Ad- This is a collaborative post with DNAVR however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wow! Such an amazing concept and experience! DNAVR is a virtual reality gaming centre that allows you and your family to connect and play in the virtual space together. From escape rooms to multiplayer madness, to single playing for those who just want to have a go, DNAVR is an experience like no other.
We have played VR games before, but only on a single system where you play alone or at best with just two of you. Here at DNAVR, you can connect to a virtual world and play together in the safety of an empty space where you are not at risk of falling over tables, chairs or other objects within your home.
Up to four of you can join a virtual escape room, where you have to work together to solve a puzzle and escape the room.
This is done in a large space with four connected headsets so you can work together. There are also single spaces which up to four (although we could do five) can connect to play VR games, either single or multiplayer. Each space is a small room where you have your own headset that allows you to move around and play safely.
Not only was it entertaining for David and the kids but it was hilarious for me watching them. Dave was a bit boring to watch as he was more controlled in his play however, Leo and the girls were extremely amusing from Leo’s facial expression (from what I could see), Lydia’s random movements and giggles and Emily walking into the wall and watching her making a virtual drink and trying to drink it.
As a spectator I got to see what was happening on the other side through the tv screens which were being monitored by a DNAVR crew member. The member of staff wore a headset and was there to help them navigate through the games and just assist them should they need it. This way I got to see what each of them were playing or doing which I found very interesting and how I knew Emily was making a drink.
The kids had an amazing time playing virtual cooking, killing zombies and flying around a large dome shooting each other out of the sky. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will definitely be going back there again. We attended the Hammersmith venue but there are others across London so plenty of opportunity. Hammersmith venue was located a 5 min walk from the tube station, so easy access.
You can book your experience on the website and prices are based on per/hour. Have a look at our other reviews on fun days out with the kids.
Ad- This is a collaborative post however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kids are going wild for the game Among us. It is one of the most popular games in the world since being released in 2018.
Among us is an online multiplayer game where up to 15 players join each other in a spaceship to complete a series of jobs. However, the twist is that some of the players are actually imposters whose job is to eliminate the other players within the game without being found out. Consider it a modern twist on the ‘Who Did It’ genre of games
To go alongside the highly desired game is the new series 2 collectible merchandise, with 16 crewmate figures and figural keychains to collect, ranging from twelve common figures and four rare figures.
Lydia was thrilled to find out she had opened up a rare figure keychain.
The blind bags are always popular with kids, as it has the element of surprise when opening the bag to see which figure you are getting, looking for the figure on your character sheet to see if its a rare of a common. I love the tension it creates especially when the girls are opening them up at the same time.
The key chains are really cool and perfect for attaching to their back pack or pencil cases ready for a new school year. It can also be the talking point they need to create new friendships with those around them who also share the same interest on the game ‘Among Us’.
Plushies are always a big hit and with so many different Among us characters and sizes to choose from, these make another great collectible for anyone who is interested in the game.
All of the series 2 Among us merch mentioned in this post is available to buy from Smyths, HMV, Littlewoods, Game, WHSmith, The works.
To read more reviews click here.
