STEPHEN PULLINGER Following the lavish, large-cast Christmas circus, it seemed a tall order for three entertainers to keep the Hippodrome audience entertained by their own talents alone.

STEPHEN PULLINGER

Following the lavish, large-cast Christmas circus, it seemed a tall order for three entertainers to keep the Hippodrome audience entertained by their own talents alone.

But the young members of Heir of Insanity pulled it off with their powerful fusion of aerial and acrobatic skills, dance, mime and comedy.

After the success of the Christmas show, impresario Peter Jay was putting on Easter entertainment at the historic Yarmouth venue for the first time – and attracting a world premiere for the occasion.

Mark Tate, Simon Schofield and Julia Dixey had been working on their show, Atlantis, for more than a year and rehearsals began at the Hippodrome shortly after Christmas.

A clever use of lighting and mood music created the atmosphere for their magical story about the lost underwater city – even though the arena's famous water feature was not brought into play.

The plot, which touches on love and good and evil in the simple pantomime tradition, is a vehicle for the trio's breathtaking skills.

Young and old were enthralled for the 50-minute duration of the show that centred round a dome-shaped rig and inflatable set.

Mark and Simon began the show with an acrobatic display that brought to mind The Independent critic's description of their previous performance as “living, tumbling artworks”.

Julia then showed her aerial skills soaring high round the arena in Peter Pan fashion.

Later, cleverly choreographed routines on the trapeze amply showed off the Stowmarket group's talents.

It was a pity that on Saturday's opening night, the Hippodrome had plenty of empty seats.

t But there is still time to catch the show, at 2.30pm today, April 1, before it starts its national tour. Tickets cost £5, £3 for children and concessions. Call 01493 844172.