Woman, 99, achieves dream of being knife-thrower’s target in circus performance

A 99-year-old former circus worker has achieved her lifelong dream of having knives thrown at her during a live circus performance.

Annie Duplock from Sharnford in Leicestershire got in the ring after the performance’s finale and stood against a board as blades were hurled at her by a professional knife thrower.

Ms Duplock had persuaded her daughter to approach her former boss, Zippo Circus founder Martin Burton, whose circus was performing at Hearsall Common in Coventry.

“Annie was 70 years old then and she is 100 years old this August.”

Ms Duplock, who had been part of the circus’s advance publicity crew, said: “I’ve always wanted to have knives thrown at me!”

Mr Burton agreed to allow knife thrower Toni to involve the almost-centenarian in the performance and said the performer “will handle this very professionally”.

Speaking to the PA news agency after the show, Ms Duplock said she “really enjoyed” the experience.

“I’m ready for the next one,” she said.