Mathew Herman knows a thing or two about flying high. Over the past 15 years, he has travelled the world working as a flying trapeze artist and professional catcher. Today, he shares his skill, teaching the art of aerial gymnastics that is the flying trapeze in Great Yarmouth’s iconic Empire building.
Herman is passionate about his new venture, FlightHouse Trapeze Academy, and delighted at his good fortune to work with the Jay brothers, owners of the Empire and Hippodrome Circus. Anyone over the age of eight may learn the craft. “It’s open to everyone; you don’t need a gymnastic background,” Herman told East Anglia Bylines. “It’s an opportunity to learn the skill of flying trapeze that was once a closely guarded secret kept within circus families.”
Herman himself was not born into a circus family. He discovered flying trapeze when he worked in an American circus camp, and later travelled the world seeking flying trapeze mentors as well as training, volunteering, and teaching.
What’s on offer?
Herman opened his academy on 1 August, 2026 with classes every day. There are drop-in and private coaching sessions, training for those wishing to turn professional, and subsidised classes for under 25s. Herman has worked a lot with disadvantaged kids and communities. He says, “One of the key focuses on this project is to be able to offer subsidised pricing to people wanting to train flying trapeze.”
Already he has noticed many returning faces. “It’s a very addictive sport. Recreational flying has a wonderful community aspect from working with each other, with catchers and teachers.”
When it comes to teaching, Herman says, “There are safeguarding protocols. Parents must be present for pupils under 16. I never send the best person up first.
“So, when everyone who is on the ground, feeling terrified, can see this person who is feeling the fear – and doing it anyway – it just confirms that these people who are scared, can do it.”
And in case anyone is concerned, there is a safety net!
Housing the flying trapeze rig
By their very nature, flying trapeze rigs have to be very tall. For this reason, many are located outside, and only operable during the warmer months – April to September. Having worked with the Jay brothers, both as an artist and as prop maker, Herman realised that Great Yarmouth and the Empire was the perfect location for his new enterprise. And one that would offer year round, indoor availability.
Herman described how usually, indoor rigs are hung from a building’s ceiling. But being a grade 2 listed building, neither this, nor any renovation to the Empire is allowed. Fortunately, the impressive size and height of the Empire can accommodate an outdoor rig. And, as luck would have it, ballast and structural points – a fly-tower with grid and fly-rails, installed from its days as a theatre – provide secure fixing points. Herman said, “We have done everything we can to protect the building and work around it.”
Built in 1911, the Empire has gone through many reincarnations during its lifetime. It still functions as an occasional live music venue. In this case, the safety net is raised three metres off the floor, the rigs, ladders, and ropes are safely stowed, and the nightclub security team are watchful for any incursion.
The future
Herman is keen to point out that it is only with the support of the Jay brothers, and financing from the National Lottery and Arts Council, that his project has come to fruition. Now, he has to demonstrate its financial viability, which he hopes will be proved over the winter when outdoor flying trapeze rigs close.
His ambition is to train the next generation of flying trapeze artists, giving them a chance to work as a troupe and perform at the Hippodrome. In the longer term, with his and the Jay’s connections in the circus world, the plan is to sell troupes all over the world. He also has in mind the renovation of the remaining 200 balcony seats to make the Empire a performance venue in its own right.
But first, Herman is planning their first showcase for October half term. This, he promises to be a community event, a belated celebration of opening.
East Anglia Bylines wishes Herman and his protégés every success in undertaking this transformative, high flying project that will undoubtedly enrich and elevate Great Yarmouth’s unique character and splendour.
More details about booking sessions at the Empire and what to expect may be found on the FlightHouse Trapeze Academy website.
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