Stars from the East

The Christmas season is set to adopt an eastern theme as the Chinese invade Great Yarmouth this weekend. The highly acclaimed Chinese State Circus boasts a brand new troupe of 46 acrobats and musicians. The award- winning act performs the traditional Chinese art of acrobatics which dates back to the Han Dynasty some 2,000 years ago. Many events have proclaimed the "greatest show on Earth" but few receive nightly standing ovations. A combination of stunning colourful costumes with live musical accompaniment sets the scene for the world's foremost human fireworks display.

The Chinese theme is extended to the capital as the Festival of Chinese Martial Arts arrives in London. Disappointed with your recently purchased Streetfighter or Mortal Kombat video? Experience the real thing for a fraction of the price. Top Kung Fu and Wu Shu practitioners will be demonstrating their skills in addition to providing masterclasses in internal and external systems (human systems of mind and body). And don't be deterred if you think that only black belts and Jedi Knights are welcome. In addition to martial arts displays, full-contact fighting and lion dancing, patrons will be able to sample a wide range of Chinese stalls including calligraphy, medicine and fortune-telling.

ALISTER MORGAN

Chinese State Circus, Gt Yarmouth Hippodrome to Sun 17 Dec: Fri 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sun 2.30pm & 5.30pm (01493 844172); pounds 8-pounds 22.50/pounds 6- pounds 10 concs. London Rounhouse, Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 (0171-482 7318) 20 Dec-21 Jan

Festival of Chinese Martial Arts, John Orwell Sports Centre, Tench St, London E1, Sat 16 Dec 11am; pounds 7, pounds 3 students. Info: call Dan Docherty (0181- 368 6815)

Free tai-chi lessons Suns on Clapham Common: meet at Tiger Lil's, 16a Southside, London SW4 at 12noon (info Dr Shen 0171-720 5433)