Summer wouldn't be summer without a trip to the seaside and a family show is all part of the experience. As ever there is plenty of entertainment on offer in Norfolk's resorts. SIMON PARKIN reports.

The Wow Factor

Yarmouth Hippodrome, Mon-Sat 2.30pm (not Fri)/7.30pm, Sun 2.30pm/6.30pm, �18.50-�12 (�14 cons), children under-14 �12-�10, 01493 844172

The Yarmouth Hippodrome summer show runs throughout the holiday season until September 18. Dazzling and entertaining will be French magician Vincent Vignaud who specialises in massive David Copperfield-style illusions, America's Ringling Brothers with a spectacular balancing act with a difference, and from Columbia a new version of the hair raising bike stunt riders inside a giant metal globe.

www.hippodromecircus.co.uk

Chuckle Brothers

Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth, July 27, August 3/17/24/31, �13.50, 01493 842914.

Once Yarmouth hosted summer-long variety shows that featured a who's who of stars of the day. Sadly those days have gone and the Britannia Pier plays mainly hosts to a series of one-night shows. The exception is the run of summer shows from every eight-year-old's favourite brothers. The Chuckle Brothers will be in town throughout the summer with Barry, Potter and His Full Brother and the Ghostly Shadows, based, in case you couldn't guess, on Harry Potter. Sure to tickle very pre-teen funny bone.

www.britannia-pier.co.uk

Showtime Summer Spectacular

Gorleston Pavilion, until October 6, �15 (�14 cons), �5 children, 01493 662832

This summer's Showtime at Gorleston really lives up to its name, bursting with Broadway melodies from Guys and Dolls, Chicago, Gypsy and opens with Anything Goes. This is the 17th year that Stuart Durrant and Kevin Lynch have run this Edwardian theatre and provided what is one of the longest summer seasons in the country. The principal singers this year include Jacqui Kelly-Doddington, Tracey Parker Harris, Andy Pelos and Robert Wall. Comedy comes from compere Steve Ace and long-serving favourite Nigel 'Boy' Syer.

www.gorlestonpavilion.co.uk

Summer Seaside Special

Pavilion Theatre, Cromer, until September 25, �10-�8, 01263 512495

Cromer Pier's 34th Seaside Special is the last of its breed — a throwback to the glory days of seaside variety shows. Its unique blend of song, dance and comedy. This year is first in which the two different Seaside Specials would have separate themes: New York City Rhythm and Radio Waves. Featured stars include ventriloquist Steve Howlett, vocalists Rob McVeigh and Scarlet Gabriel, plus comedian Paul Adams.

www.cromer-pier.com