After 25 years on the road and a sold-out Christmas season, Giffords Circus enters a new chapter with its most ambitious production yet. “Waterfield” tours from 02 April to 27 September. The 2026 show marks a return to the English countryside, to handcrafted storytelling, and to the original spirit that first set the circus in motion.
Inspired by the rivers, hedgerows, and wildlife of rural England, Waterfield unfolds like a living storybook. Drawing on the tradition of British children’s literature, audiences will meet a host of feathered and furred characters brought to life through death defying circus acts, comedy, and movement along a magical riverbank.
Waterfield is a celebration of legacy and an homage to heritage and family. The show name has been chosen by Red and Cecil, the children of founders Nell and Toti Gifford.
Directed by long-time collaborator Cal McCrystal (One Man Two Guvnors, Cirque de Soliel’s Zumanity), the production blends pastoral beauty with excitement as high-risk circus acts are woven into a theatrical world shaped by character, music, and atmosphere.
Long-time Musical Director, James Keay’s live score will transport audiences through an arrangement of reimagined classic British folk and pop tracks.
A world-class cast of international performers will bring Waterfield to life with each act chosen not only for spectacle, but for its storytelling power. The nine-strong Ethiopian Addis Ababa Troupe will deliver breathtaking acrobatics, combining electrifying hand vaulting with a daring double pole display.
This year’s production will introduce two new death-defying acts. High above the ring, the Valencia Flyers, a third-generation Colombian circus troupe, will present their Wheel of Death, a heart-pounding spectacle of speed, precision and fearless showmanship. Joining them, Italian masters of knife throwing and crossbow artistry Elena and Giacomo Jasters will captivate audiences with an explosive display of nerve, pinpoint accuracy and absolute trust.
The Jasters family’s legacy continues in the ring with a high energy juggling act from their daughter Jessica and her partner Sonny Caveagna. They are joined by other dynamic duos, Olivia and Stefan (USA and Austria) who will light up the ring with their playful chaos, and the Cienna Sisters (USA) will thrill audiences with the astonishing aerial strap and hoop performance. Returning back to Giffords is the musical father-and-son circus legends Los Rivelinos, from Spain.
Giffords would not be Giffords circus without their beloved equestrian friends, this year audiences will meet Shire horse Maisy, and Tinkerbell, the smallest Shetland pony led by Alice Gifford and finally, making an ever-popular return is Brian the goose, whose impeccable comic timing never fails to impress.
takis, Olivier Award nominated production and costume designer, is returning to Giffords Circus for the ninth time, transforming the ring with a set that will truly immerse guests. Heritage and craftsmanship running through every element, costumes are handmade, sets are painted in the barns on the Giffords’ Cotswolds farm, and props are layered, weathered, and perfectly imperfect.
“We’ve poured our hearts into Waterfield, creating a show full of joy, thrills and theatrical wonder,” says Cal McCrystal. “It’s a celebration of the countryside, of tradition, and of a magical world, each performance hand-crafted, immersive, and designed to delight audiences of all ages.”
Circus Sauce, Giffords’ rustic dining experience invites audiences to continue the festivities following the performance. Led by Head Chef Eva Maddison, the three-course feast, different at each ground, is cooked with local, seasonal produce connected to the location and served family-style on oversized Emma Bridgewater platters.
Alongside the restaurant, the iconic Giffords wagons offer a selection of hot food including circus staples of hotdogs, fries, candyfloss, popcorn, and ice cream with the Cantina Wagon serving flavourful Mexican dishes. There is also the new addition of The Woolpack on Wheels, a joint venture between Giffords Circus and The Woolpack (from owner and restaurateur Daniel Chadwick) serving drinks and bar snacks.
Toti Gifford, Founder and Chairman of Giffords Circus is delighted to be joined by such a brilliant creative and production team including Cal McCrystal (Director), takis (costume and production design), Kate Smyth (choreography), Ian Scott (lighting), James Marsh (sound), Emma Campbell, Beatrix Eden, Mikey Fletcher, Kelly Rumbelow and Joe Avery.
The 2026 season tours the south of England from April to September.
Tour dates and locations Waterfield tours the UK from 02 April to 27 September 2026
• Fennells Farm, Stroud – 02-20 April
• Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe – 23 April to 5 May
• Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire – 08-18 May
• Chiswick House & Gardens, London – 21 May to 07 June
• Evenley Wood Garden, Evenley – 11-22 June
• Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames – 25 June to 06 July
• Barrington, Oxfordshire – 09-20 July
• Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucester – 23-27 July
• Minchinhampton Common, Gloucester – 30 July to 10 August
• Marlborough Common, Wiltshire – 13-24 August
• Stratton Meadows, Cirencester – 27 August to 07 September
• Fennells Farm, Stroud – 10 – 27 September
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