After a thrilling few years, the Circus of Horrors returned to Ipswich with its gruesome 20th anniversary show – The Night of the Zombie.

Ipswich Star: Circus of Horrors Night of the Zombie. Picture: Marc WheatleyCircus of Horrors Night of the Zombie. Picture: Marc Wheatley (Image: Archant)

The performance started as soon as you walked in the door with Camp Dracula and accomplices patrolling and accosting the crowds, leading you into a futuristic apocalyptic world, with Dr Haze taking command of his various performers.

The audience was immediately captivated by the forked-tongued sword swallower Hannibal Hellmurto, who devoured several blades and even a mercury-filled glass bulb.

What followed was a heady mix of daredevil acts and mind-boggling stunts, which included the Sinister Sisters performing breathtaking aerial silks and the Voodoo Warriors with firey flexibility, flamingo jump rope and the limbo.

It was all topped off with Captain Dan the Demon Dwarf’s impressive weight-lifting and vacuuming skills.

As zombies crawled through the audience, the atmosphere intensified with anticipation as to what would happen next.

With the smell of pyrotechnics in the air, the second half continued to grip with Anastasia IV and her hair-raising act.

This horrifying show was brilliantly grotesque. A great mix of awe-inspiring talent, comedy and quirky entertainment.

The performance truly is a Circus of Horrors.

Michelle Patrick