Sunderland's Marvellous Marty teaches Robson Green new tricks in popular BBC Weekend Escapes show
“Robson and his uncle were really friendly and funny, but very competitive and both wanted to win the challenges we set”
The words of Fulwell circus performer Marty Bloomfield after his circus training school was featured on the BBC popular television show Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes.
Robson has starred in an array of much loved television shows including Casualty, Soldier Soldier, Wire in the Blood and Grantchester, as well as enjoying music success with his Soldier Solider co-star Jerome Flynn.
More recently the Northumberland born actor has become known for his fishing and walking documentaries. Since 2023 he has starred in his Great Escapes series which sees Robson joined by members of his family and North East stars to take part in a range of activities whilst showcasing what the region has to offer.
The episode in which Marvellous Marty, his step-daughter Emma, and his circus school Circurama features sees Robson joined by his uncle Matheson at Roses Bower Farm Treehouse.
Marty, 63, said: “We were contacted by the show’s production team and asked if we could step in with our circus school after the original activity provider they were going use pulled out.
“It was a red hot day in June when we travelled to the farm Robson and his uncle were staying at. Robson and his uncle Matheson were really friendly and welcoming when we arrived.
“Robson came up and shook our hands and thanked us for stepping in. He said to just run the session like we normally would.”
Robson and his uncle then took part in a range activities with a competition to see who was the best circus act performer.
Marty said: “Robson and Matheson were both really competitive and wanted to win - I think it goes back to when they used to go fishing together.
“It ended in a tie break where they both had to race on the ‘wheels of doom’ - similar to a unicycle - which was hilarious.”
Marty, who used to be a postman, takes his Circurama skills workshops into local schools and community groups.
He added: “It was great to meet Robson and I think the the show really captured what Circurama is all about. Weekend Escapes is a great show which really promotes local North East businesses.”
The episode is set to be aired on BBC 2 at 6.30pm on Friday January 23.
You can also watch the episode featuring Marty and Emma via the BBC’s iPlayer link.
Anyone interested in taking part in Marty’s Circurama workshop can contact him via his website.