Giffords Circus 2023

It’s a glorious warm evening as we turn into the grounds of Chiswick House, where Giffords Circus have set up their magical ‘village green’ circus. The strains of gypsy jazz draw in the milling crowds for pre-show prosecco and it feels like everyone is in a good, old-fashioned mood.

Started by Nell and Toti Gifford 2000, this years theme is Parisian Theatre in the 1830’s and the paper theatre invitation has already dropped a little magic through our door. With impeccable attention to detail, every element of the production is meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder.

Giffords circus is all about the detail, rich velvet costumes are ‘home-made,’ the spotted ponies are trained themselves and the sets painted in their Oxfordshire barns. And even though the circus tent is not small anymore, the whole show retains an intimacy, a relaxed family feel. Happily the gentle charm of the production is matched by high quality acts with an International flair all accompanied by the exceptional seven piece circus band, Quel Fromage.

The performers range from breath-taking double aerial act, the ‘Soeurs des Etoiles’ to the boundless energy and enthusiasm of ‘Les Garcons Abyssinia.’ These six young circus gymnasts from a circus school in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) leap into the ring, vaulting and flying through hoops as if they were on springs. Spanish Didier Dumont’s shadow play performed from his bicycle provides a moment of glorious calm as the tent is darkened and animals are brought to life by his hands.

At the other end of the spectrum, Brazilian born Saint Michael had us gasping with terror with his Skywalk Act which literally involved walking upside-down across the tent roof, his feet slotting into simple hoops, one after the other. Learnt from his father who was also a circus performer, it was the most heart-stopping moment of the show. No safety nets here.
The passionate dance of Antoine Cesar accompanied by haunting vocals from Nell O’Hara was a firm favourite with the crowd but me and my toddler loved the team of six spotted ponies the best. Florentine Le Febvre in her white lace up boots had them cantering round the ring together before bowing and rolling over on queue to receive a delicious reward.

If you’re looking for a memorable family outing, Giffords circus is the answer, a truly magical introduction to the whimsical world of the circus and a blast of nostalgia for the grown-ups. They tour the UK from the first day of Spring to the first glimpse of Winter so it’s not too late to book tickets…