Ladies lead the cast in new £1 million show at Wookey Hole

One of the world’s greatest showmen is bringing a touch of magic to Somerset’s oldest attraction this summer

With a £1 million programme of illusions from around the world, circus legend Gerry Cottle is giving the floor to his daughter Sarah, granddaughter Ellen, and a talented team of ladies for Wookey Hole Caves’ newest family show, Hocus Pocus.

Presented by the cave’s three resident witches, this unique show is led by a cast of nine women and for the first time it will be the men who all play victim to the girls’ ghoulish stunts. The 90-minute show includes spectacular and mind-boggling illusions such as The Fire Spiker, The Eclipse, and the Excalibur illusion.

Sarah Cottle leads the cast and was instrumental in helping her father create this illusion show, where girls are finally getting the glory. Sarah has been a circus performer since the age of 12, following in her dad’s footsteps and travelling all over the world.

Sarah said: “Our talented cast has spent months formulating the very best illusions from our experiences across the world and we cannot wait to welcome young and old to this extraordinary new show. We want to shock, delight, and make you part of our dazzling world of magic and intrigue – you won’t be disappointed!”  

Sarah’s daughter Ellen has just completed a 100-date Circus of Horrors tour, and performs what has been hailed the “fastest and funkiest” Hula Hoop act, ever; Stef Usher and Ameya Williams perform the big illusions while Craig Attmere performs the sensational ‘Jaws of Death’ with just 30 seconds to escape.

Directing Hocus Pocus is Willie Ramsay, stunt coordinator at Pinewood studios, Shepperton, and Leavesden, who has been involved in films such as Pan, King Arthur, Fantastic Beasts, Malificent, Mamma Mia, Star Wars, and of course, Roald Dahl’s Witches. Gerry Cottle’s grandson Whistle Cottle, also appears in Hocus Pocus, making it a true family act.

Wookey Hole Caves was bought by Gerry Cottle and his family 15 years ago and welcomes over 250,000 visitors each year. The circus school trains 40 young people who perform during weekends and school holidays.

• Hocus Pocus is showing for 12 nights only through July and August, you can book tickets at wookey.co.uk/hocus-pocus/
• Hocus Pocus is a 90-minute show with an interval.
• Bar and food available from 5.30pm, show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets can be collected at 5.30pm at the ticket office next the main car park.
• Tickets cost £9.99 for adults, £7.99 for children (3-14). Under threes free of charge.
• Tickets for the show are available that include a hog roast at £14.99 per adult and £11.99 per child.