Doktor Haze hooks new recruits with fire-eating masterclass (From Bournemouth Echo)

Doktor Haze hooks new recruits with fire-eating masterclass

10:20am Friday 12th March 2010 in

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A CRASH course in fire-eating at Bournemouth Pavilion yesterday failed to extinguish the enthusiasm of two circus fans.

Despite putting their lives on the line, sisters Steph and Chloe Bates from Corfe Mullen were still planning to run away and join the circus.

And their determination could be rewarded after Circus of Horrors creator and fire-eating coach Doktor Haze told the Daily Echo that he might even offer them jobs.

The impromptu lesson was staged just hours before Doktor Haze appeared in The Day of the Dead in Bournemouth. For the brave Bates sisters, the terrifying experience was a dream come true.

After some gentle persuasion and expert advice, Steph, 25, was first to master the technique, with flames flickering from her mouth.

“It wasn’t as bad as I’d thought,” she said. “Mum was worried that we would come home with our hair scorched or even worse.

“We would both like to be circus performers – I’ve already been learning silks and other aerial acts with the Circus of Horrors’ Willie Ramsey, who taught Angelina Jolie how to bungee for the Tomb Raider film.

“I’m a fitness instructor so it’s a bit of a career change. But I’m always up for a challenge.”

For tennis coach Chloe, 21, fire-eating didn’t come so naturally.

After repeated attempts, smoke kept billowing out of her nose and she wailed: “It’s really hot.”

“Don’t hesitate!” urged her mentor. “Otherwise you’ll get burnt – it is fire, after all.”

It was only later that Doktor Haze, who has been fire-eating since he was a boy, admitted that he had been burnt on countless occasions.

“It’s all about technique and not being over-confident. I’ve seen a lot of people involved in very bad accidents.

“It can taste unpleasant; if you accidentally inhale smoke. Lessons need to be in a controlled environment.”

• The Circus of Horrors will be appearing at Salisbury City Hall tonight (Friday, March 12) and Southampton Guildhall on (Monday, March 15).