Review: GIFFORDS CIRCUS: WATERFIELD, Chiswick House & Gardens - Tour
Photo credit: Jeff Moore
Circus has been re-invented many times over the more than 250 years it has existed, whether in the form of three ring extravaganzas in the heyday of US circus, vast arena experiences like Cirque du Soleil or small family touring shows. Gifford’s Circus is something of an amalgam of all of these. Production values, especially of design and costume (Takis), are worthy of Cirque du Soleil, yet there is a strong family feel and the whole show is presented with care and attention to detail. Other circuses mark tent stakes with scraps of cloth; Gifford’s decorate them with pots of pelargoniums. We even get the now rare sawdust (or wood shavings to be exact) in the ring.
This year’s show is titled Waterfield, and with the Gifford family back in control, it’s a greatly enjoyable experience. Cal McCrystal directs once again, providing an overall concept which is missing from so many circuses, even those who attempt a narrative line, as is becoming more common. Although the acts are listed by their character names, the programme also includes the performer names. In this way, the Addis Ababa Troupe, seen in several UK circuses, become The Newts and are dressed in appropriate leotards. With nine members, it’s an act that fills the ring and they quickly get the audience on side, especially when a difficult trick apparently requires more than one attempt: they might be young performers but they know how circus performance works…
It’s a varied bill including everything from fast paced and impressive juggling from Sonny Caveagna to an aerial act from the Cienna Sisters, which includes a number of impressive hangs and balances which require total trust in each other: and all done while dressed as praying mantises. The Jasters bring the necessary element of risk with their knives and crossbow act, and the level of jeopardy is raised higher with the inclusion of a Wheel of Death from the Valencia Flyers, an unusual act for Gifford’s. It’s impressively done and goes down a storm with the audience, although this act is becoming almost ubiquitous in UK circus – perhaps providing the scary element that was once brought to the ring by lions and tigers.
Unusually, there are real animals in Gifford’s Circus, although seen only briefly: horses (of various sizes) and a goose called Brian. It’s impossible to mention all the acts, but there are a large number and a cast of more than 20 as well as a six-strong live band playing everything from Madness to Kate Bush, with live vocals from Jenna Dearness-Dark – a rarity in UK touring circus where even live percussion may not be on offer. The hard-working Ringmaster had a difficult script to put across, which was not helped by a sound design that made much of his dialogue inaudible: perhaps one part of the show to refine.
As always, the atmosphere before the performance and during the interval is greatly enhanced by the beautiful show wagons, the tasteful merchandise (not a light-up wand in sight) and the tasty catering. Catch them in Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire during the summer – and let’s hope they get lots of good weather as was the case at the press night in Chiswick: classy circus in a fascinating environment and suitable for the whole family, who are likely to end the evening dancing in the ring with the cast.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Chris Abbott