No hanging about for Hellmurto

The Circus of Horrors secured their 16th Guinness World Record last night live on stage at Jersey Opera House thanks to the cast’s sword swallower.

Hannibal Hellmurto swallowed seven wire coat hangers in less than one minute in front of a packed auditorium to seal the deal. In doing so, the performer smashed his own World Record which he had previously held for swallowing six coat hangers in 60 seconds.

The atmosphere in the theatre was tense and eerily silent with anticipation as Hellmurto managed the first three hangers in less than 20 seconds. The audience soon got behind him, cheering him on to achieve his goal. With just seconds to go the sword swallower managed the seventh hanger much to the delight of the crowd.

Hellmurto said: “This stunt is particularly gruelling because I have to bend the coat hanger to a 30 degree angle inside me. I am happy that I managed to beat my own record and with the support of such a great Jersey audience. The risks are high when performing this sort of stunt and the pressure is even greater when you have so many expectant onlookers. It is certainly a memorable achievement so thank you Jersey!”

Guinness Guidelines stipulate that the stunt had to be documented by video and witnessed by an independent spectator. Each coat hanger had to be sterilised prior to the act and fashioned into a sausage shape which the daredevil performer had to swallow. Once the hanger was inside, Hellmurto then had to lean forward to bend the implement inside him, before removing it and starting the process again.

Formerly a German Tax Inspector, Hellmurto has transformed himself into a walking work of art with more than 200 tattoos over his body, a forked tongue and giant yoyos in his earlobes. He also holds the Guinness World Record for pulling a four ton truck 100 meters with just 2 meat hooks in his back.

The Circus of Horrors will perform four more shows at Jersey Opera House at 6pm and 9pm this evening and Saturday. Tickets are available from Box Office (01534) 511 115 or online at www.jerseyoperahouse.co.uk (booking fees apply).

Tags: Guinness World Record, Hannibal Hellmurto, Jersey Opera House, The Circus of Horrors

Category: Events