When you think of contortionists, images of circus performers (perhaps a la Cirque du Soleil) likely come to mind. The bending, twisting, and stretching seem impossible — and never fail to mesmerize.

Birmingham’s National Sea Life Centre has had many attractions in 20 years from star fish to sea horses, penguins and sharks. But, while the Brindleyplace attraction will never be big enough to take a ...