PERFORMERS at Zippos Circus are thrilled to be performing in front of a live audience.

After not performing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Zippos Circus returned to action last night with its Carnival show in Kingsway, Hove.

The circus has acts from all around the world, including Brazil, the Czech Republic and Africa.

Paulo Dos Santos from Sao Paulo in Brazil, who stands at just over a metre tall, is a first-time ringmaster and helps run the show as well as performs as an acrobat and martial artist.

The 37-year-old said: "It is new territory for me being the ringmaster, but it is very exciting being able to do it.

"The ringmaster is the heart of the show, you need passion to do everything and speak to everyone. It is very important.

"To be back and start work again is and perform in front of an audience is fantastic.

"I hope all the people who come along enjoy what we have to offer.

The Argus: Zippos Circus ringmaster Paulo Dos SantosZippos Circus ringmaster Paulo Dos Santos

"My favourite part of the show is the Globe of Death, and it is so exciting watching the motorcycles go around the steel cage.

The big top has been made Covid-19 secure with hand sanitising stations at the entrance and regular decontamination spray used throughout the tent.

Rows have been removed from the audience to help with social distancing, and circus goers are asked to wear masks when they are inside the tent to help reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.

However, the atmosphere has not been affected by the reduced capacity as audiences have been excited to get back to live events.

William Rukwaro from the Timbuktu Tumblers, an acrobatic group that forms human pyramids, said: "We used to take audiences for granted. If you had told me a few years ago we would not be performing, I would have called you crazy.

The Argus: Tombuktu Tumblers from KenyaTombuktu Tumblers from Kenya

"The audiences have been very engaged so far, and they want to get involved a lot more than before.

"We are entertainers who have trained for years and years, and the best part of the show is seeing everyone's reactions when they enjoy the show. If they don't, it can be slightly heartbreaking."

Zippos Circus will be running daily performances until August 15.

Tickets can be bought from the onsite ticket office which is open from 9am to 8pm daily.

People can also buy tickets in advance at www.zippos.co.uk

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