Circus performer falls up to 16ft from ‘giant wheel of death’ during show

Show immediately cancelled as members of audience rushed to assist performer

A circus performer has been taken to hospital after he fell from a height of up to 16ft during a show in Norfolk.

The acrobat, aged in his 20s, was riding the “giant wheel of death” apparatus at the Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth on Wednesday evening when the fall happened.

The show, ‘Christmas Spectacular’, was watched by an audience of adults and children but was stopped immediately as police and ambulance services were called.

“It looked like miss-timing. He went to jump through one of the wheels and slipped, landing on the floor,” Jack Jay, also the circus ringmaster, told the BBC.

Mr Jay added that the acrobat was “fully conscious after the fall” and two members of the audience, who are understood to be an off-duty police officer and a paramedic, came to help.

He is thought to have suffered injuries to his arm, shoulder and leg.He was evaluated overnight and is believed to be in a stable condition.

Health and safety officials were notified and were expected to investigate the fall and the apparatus at the purpose-built circus.

The acrobat’s brother was his partner in the performance and accompanied him to James Paget University Hospital along with circus staff.

A spokesman for the Christmas Spectacular said: “Obviously this sort of event is scary for all involved. We are all wishing a speedy recovery for our fellow cast member.

“We would like to pass on our thanks to the audience in attendance, who were very understanding and remained calm.”

Norfolk Constabulary said: “Police were called at 7:37pm last night (Wednesday 13 December 2023) to the Hippodrome on St George’s Road, Great Yarmouth to reports that a man had fallen from a height.

“The man sustained serious, potentially life-changing injuries, and was taken by ambulance to the James Paget Hospital, and later transferred to Addenbrookes Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

“A seal was put in place at the scene overnight, but this has since been lifted.

“Officers are working with the local authorities to establish the circumstances that led to the incident.”

East of England Ambulance Service said: “One ambulance, one rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle and East Anglian Air Ambulance were called to St George’s Road, Great Yarmouth last night following reports of a man injured in a fall.

“One patient was transported by road ambulance to James Paget Hospital with serious injuries.”

Norfolk Constabulary has been contacted for comment.