The iconic Gifford Circus is back and thriving. As I walk through Chiswick gardens with the feeling of being in a sunny Verona, I find myself lost. I see a sign saying, ‘Giffords this way’ and find my way down a beautiful path with flowers and luscious greenery and immediately I feel the maze of childlike fantasy awaken as if I am in Alice and Wonderland. The sense of mystery and wonder as you enter the village of Gifford’s captured me instantly; old-fashioned travelling wagons, bunting, draped ceilings and the delicate balance between illusion and reality with a glittering spectacle and its dark underbelly is nothing short of magical.
Directed by Cal McCrystal (Mother Goose), we are transported to 1820’s Paris and taken to the setting of the iconic 1945 movie Les enfants du paradis (children of the gods). World famous designer, Takis, inspired costumes that resonated with the Bourbon restoration with the likes of tartan, lavish dresses, colourful patterns and curvaceous shapes and a powerful dramatic display. Characters such as Victor Hugo (Michael Fletcher) and Claire de Lune (Nell O’Hara) and Tweedy the Clown; we are encapsulated by a flamboyant Paris.
From then on it is a carrousel of high class entertainment, many of which have had a connection and loyalty to Gifford’s to many years. Soeurs des etoiles (Marika Ashley and Marina Lune) lead us straight in with an aerialist performance, the two exhibiting a captivating symmetry enhanced by their strength and elegance. Sergi Buka, an illusionist brings out the innocent in us all as he delicately bicycles in with a touching shadow performance. Les Garcons Abyssinia consists of Five boys from Circus Abyssinia the well renowned Ethiopian circus; a fabulous hoop diving spectacle that leaves people jaw dropped with their mind-boggling skill and risk. Antoine Cesar whose passion was met perfectly with his expertise as he combines dance with aerial straps skills in a unique style. A foot juggler, trapeze artist and dynamic high-speed roller skating act are to name just a few more that were equally impressive. Florentine le Febvre (Amanda Sadnow) leads five miniature ponies adorably to do a less impressive but charming act in the ring. We learn that this is the ‘Gifford’s staple mark’ as Nell Gifford (founder of Gifford’s) says ‘a world without horses is no world for our circus.’ The idea behind the story was perfectly matched with the design and chosen acts, however the through line of story could have been stronger.
Of course, there is no circus without a clown and Tweedy the clown certainly sums up Gifford. Tweedy has performed at Giffords Circus for more than sixteen years, bringing new comic routines and skills to the show each year. He was awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) for his services to Circus and local community. Tweedy is clearly a born clown, his comic routines, slapstick pants falling down, consistent mess ups, water splashes and comic musical melodies bring out that playful intrigue we all desire.
The story of Gifford’s is also a story in itself of triumph over adversity and makes the show even more lovable. Nell Gifford and her husband Toti Gifford, in love with the forgotten art form started the circus in 2000 from a pipe dream of wanting to start their own village green circus. A world only complete with horses, majestic animals at the core of their lives. However, tragically Nell Died in 2019 at the age of 46. Yet, the circus community rallied and agreed the show must go on in the name of Nell. The circus is established as one of UK’s most unique and treasured arts and so it should be. Nell says ‘Keep the circus going inside you, keep it going, don’t take anything too seriously, it’ll all work out in the end.’
Giffords circus is more than a show. It is a door to the sublime; full of talent, wonder and play. It brings us right back to our roots and allows our inner child to rid itself of inhibition and beam with joy. Pure magic.
Giffords Circus Les Enfants du Paradis is at Chiswick House and Gardens until 19th June and then tours, full listings and ticket information can be found here.
