Tyler West stars in Giffords Circus as they return with 2024 tour, Avalon, a show set in the colourful medieval world of Arthurian legend.
Directed by comedy genius Cal McCrystal, Avalon features dazzling circus acts, lavish period costumes, and a magical set designed by award-winning performance designer takis.
Tyler West, hailed by the New York Times as “the most exhilarating comic performer,” stars as Cuthbert, bringing his unique comedy and rollerskating skills to the heart of the show. Avalon is at Chiswick House & Gardens, London, 6 – 23 June, then tours to 29 September. Book your tickets now at Giffords Circus.
You’re starring in Avalon from Giffords Circus; what can you tell us about the show?
The theme of this show is loosely based on the story of King Arthur. It features Queen Guinevere, Launcelot, Arthur, Merlin and many other characters performing incredible feats of acrobatics to dazzle the audience. The music is fun and upbeat, the costumes are stunning, there is an amazing set/lighting design and a lot of hilarious antics.
How did you get involved with Giffords Circus and the Avalon production?
I’ve been a big fan of director Cal McCrystal’s work for a long time and I’ve followed Tweedy’s clowning as well. I was working on another show in London in 2022, when I came to Giffords and saw that year’s production of “Carpa!”. I met Cal and Tweedy and really had a wonderful time. Later that same year, Cal reached out to me about the possibility of joining in 2024. and being a freelance clown/physical comedian i luckily was able to say yes because of an empty schedule two years away.
Can you share some insights into your character, Cuthbert, and his role in the show?
I don’t want to give too much away about Cuthbert, but I can say is he is a loveable troublemaker that has dreams to become a Knight of the Round Table.
What has been the most challenging part of preparing for this tour?
This is my longest contract to date and the greatest number of shows I’ve performed constantly. So, trying to stay healthy, well and fresh each performance has been a challenge. And also, a first time living in a caravan with helping to pitch and tear down the circus big top at each site we move to has been a huge learning experience. Luckily lots of other people have returned every year to help the transition. Giffords Circus is a very nice company and circus to work for; the conditions are great and they work really hard to keep everyone happy.
How does performing in a traditional circus like Giffords compare to your previous experiences in cabaret and burlesque?
This is actually the fourth big top show I’ve performed in; and there’s nothing like performing for a large audience in a tent. It’s so magical. The audiences at Giffords are always ready to be entertained and delighted so it’s not hard to find the energy to give them a great show.
I love performing for all ages and trying to find comedy/joy that reaches generations of different people is always a challenge, but when done well it can be very rewarding to play amongst those levels. Working with Cal and Maximiliano Stia (who plays Merlin) has been so much fun, this is my first time working with a clown/comedy director and to trust Cal’s keen sense for the most ridiculous bits and gags has been really lovely.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Avalon?
do it! Why not? It’s the circus!!! It’s got lots of fun things to enjoy and be amazed at. The people of the UK and across the Cotswolds are very lucky to have a circus like Giffords, there’s not many shows that do what Gifford’s does – always changing the show and evolving to do it better and better every year is a feat of magic!
