There are some shows you enjoy, and there are some shows that stay with you long after you leave the tent. Giffords Circus falls firmly into the second category.
Having caught the performance at Sudeley Castle, it is easy to see why this much loved travelling circus continues to draw crowds across the Cotswolds. From the moment the ringmaster stepped forward and commanded the tent, the audience was hooked. There was warmth, humour, polish and, above all, an unmistakable sense of quality running through the entire production.
The standout moment of the afternoon was breathtaking.
An aerial duet, performed high above the crowd, was nothing short of stunning. At times, one performer was hanging on by little more than strength, trust and sheer nerve, while suspended around 10 metres in the air.
The choreography was beautifully matched to Wuthering Heights, a pairing that elevated the act into something genuinely moving. It was elegant, daring and performed with complete commitment, one of those rare moments where the entire tent seemed to hold its breath.
Throughout the show, each act was cleverly styled around animal characters, adding an extra layer of theatre and charm. The comic pairing of Mole and Rat were especially memorable, perfectly pitched and brilliantly performed. Beneath the laughs, there was obvious talent, Mole displaying serious acrobatic skill, while Rat delivered sharp comic timing that had the audience thoroughly entertained.
The acrobatic troupe were strong performers, athletic, polished and energetic, although one sequence perhaps lingered slightly longer than needed. At times, it felt more like a filler section than a headline moment, particularly in a show packed with stronger standout acts.
For those who like genuine edge of your seat tension, Fox delivered exactly that. Knife throwing is not for the faint hearted, and watching blades fly towards a waiting assistant is the kind of act that makes you instinctively tense in your seat. Precision, nerve and trust were all on full display.
The circus juggler was exceptional.
Anyone who has ever attempted to juggle even three balls will appreciate the level of mastery on show here. His control, rhythm and effortless skill were outstanding. One supporting routine involving spinning what I would call, cloths, while graceful, felt as though it could develop further to match the strength of the rest of the juggling team’s repertoire.
Animals also played their part in the magic, with a pony, a magnificent shire horse, a Shetland companion and the unforgettable Brian the Goose all winning plenty of affection from the crowd.
Then came one of the biggest spectacle moments of the afternoon, a towering spinning wheel apparatus where two fearless performers launched themselves high above the ring, quite literally flying over the top as the structure rotated beneath them. Whether brave or slightly mad is open to debate, but impressive is beyond question.
And one final mention must go to the music.
Too often live entertainment treats music as background. Here, it was central to the atmosphere. The singer was superb, beautifully backed by a tight, accomplished band that lifted every scene they touched. Her rendition of Wuthering Heights was spellbinding. It is no surprise to hear that people in nearby village, Winchcombe reportedly stopped in their tracks just to listen from outside, it really was that good.
Verdict
Giffords Circus is professional, imaginative and wonderfully performed. It blends theatre, comedy, music and world class circus skill into something that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
A few moments could be tightened, but that hardly dents what is a beautifully crafted production.
Cheltenham Times verdict, absolutely worth seeing.
