I fell in love with the circus when I was six and won a gigantic cuddly red elephant during Zippos travelling show.

So when I heard the 26-year-old company was coming to Blackheath I couldn’t wait to take my little brother along and introduce him to the wonders, colours and mystery of the circus.

The second we arrived I could see he was thrilled – even though 12-year-old boys don’t like to show they are impressed with much.

We headed in to take our very special ringside seats – but not before picking up some hot food on the way.

The intoxicating smells of sugar and sawdust whisked me right back in time to when I was a little girl, swamped by a bright purple coat and clutching my new toy which was nearly as big as me.

Somewhat of a fussy eater, my bro declined the heaven that is candyfloss and instead chose chips while mum and my fiancé stuffed our faces with glorious cheese-loaded hotdogs smothered in sauce.

We watched cheeky clown couple Duo Delbosq warm up the crowd with hilarious tomfoolery as the big top’s seats gradually filled up.

As the charming ringmaster, Norman Barrett MBE, took to his stage I wondered if it was the very same man who’d given me my prize 20 years ago – I like to think it was.

This wonderful man is everything a ringmaster should be – smart, clever, authoritative and charismatic with an extraordinary way with budgies.

After being totally blown away by Germaine the foot juggler as she span a huge box on its corner with just her toes, we were treated to Roman Stefanyuk's ridiculously funny comedy trampoline act.

Animals in the circus have been a contentious issue for years, but watching the four powerful palominos running and dancing in harmony it was obvious these horses enjoy a wonderful life.

My favourite creature in the show was the tiny Shetland pony that came running out and under his full-sized friend’s tummy.

With his delightful white mane flying around as he pumped his little legs to keep up, it was clear this miniature chap loves nothing more than showing off to his adoring fans.

And lucky children are even invited to get their picture taken with this cute guy during the interval – I wasn’t jealous at all.

Mr Barrett bewitched us all with his amazing budgerigar display which climaxes with the colourful birds taking it in turns to slip down their very own slide.

Of course there is a beautiful trapeze artist alongside hot fire dancers and brilliant clowns but Zippos also has a very special ace up its sleeve.

Perhaps the most shocking and terrifying act I have ever seen, the Globe of Death actually had my palms sweating.

Daredevil motorcyclists The Sensational Lucius Team from Brazil sign their lives away every time they take on this death-defying performance.

We thought it was madness when one of them hopped into the metal gridded globe and started whizzing around upside down within it.

But by the end of the jaw-dropping show, all three bikers were inside the giant hamster wheel, speeding upside down and all around each other.

Visions of a bloody mess entered my mind, but these pros have it all under control – utterly riveting.

My brother was, it’s fair to say, a little scared by these insane guys but he assured me he had an amazing time.

Zippos is in Sidcup from Thursday April 19 to Tuesday April 24 at Sidcup Place Park.

I urge you not to miss out on this incredible experience.

For bookings visit zipposcircus.co.uk