Roll up, roll up for the Circus of Horrors

Spooky performers will storm the stage at Leeds City Varieties with their demonic twist on the traditional circus - expect sword swallowing, fire-eating and other terrifying tricks and acrobatics.

The troupe’s autumn tour promises plenty of new shocks as the Damned Doll – a creepy ventriloquist dummy – comes to life to wage war on his nemesis, the circus’ undead ringmaster Doktor Haze.

And for sword swallower Hannibal Helmurto, his return to Yorkshire comes exactly one year on from his on-stage accident in Bradford.

The performer spent four weeks in intensive care after accidentally skewering himself with a lit neon tube and ripping a hole in his throat during a jaw-dropping routine.

The German-born performer is fully recovered and ready for the troupe’s City Varieties debut on Monday October 29 and Tuesday October 30.

Evening shows are for over 16s only. There is a family friendly matinee on Tuesday October 30 at 2.30pm.

Tickets are priced from £15.60 to £20.60. Call the box office on 0113 2430808 or visit cityvarieties.co.uk.