Giffords Circus at Chiswick House and Gardens Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Mel Randle
This weekend I had the absolute pleasure of visiting Gifford’s Circus with my family for the second year running. Billed as a ‘vintage village green circus’, Giffords are keeping the traditions of circus alive whilst presenting us with incredible international acts that I guarantee will entertain the whole family, whether you are aged two or ninety-two! For their 2026 season they are bringing us ‘Waterfield’, a celebration of the countryside, and we caught them on the stunning Chiswick House & Gardens leg of their summer tour.
Giffords Circus is performed in a traditional big top with a traditional circus ring and traditional seating, however the presentation is more akin to an elaborate theatre show. With the theme of countryside, there was a beautiful pond with (trampoline) lily pads, performers entered through a tree like something out of an Enid Blyton novel and the live band ‘The Grasshoppers’ were stationed in their beautiful grassy meadow, The costumes were just as fabulous, like singer Jenna Dearness-Dark, who as a beautiful swan delighted us with her wonderful singing throughout the show.
A circus wouldn’t be a circus without clowns and this role was filled by husband and wife duo Olivia and Stefan (or Ratty and Mole as they are in Waterfield). But there wasn’t a squirty flower or big shoe in sight! They had us roaring with laughter throughout with their buffoonery, popping up amongst the audience and at times inviting audience participation, but also displayed some incredible acrobatic skills.
To contrast with the hilarity of the comedic acts, we were entertained by some incredible performances from around the world, from Columbia, Italy and Ethiopia to name a few. The skill in these acts has to be seen to be believed, I watched many of them with my heart in my mouth. Definitely not ones to try at home!! The Cienna Sisters gave an incredible aerial display, the Addis Ababa Troupe were literally throwing each other around the ring and the Valencia Flyers took on something I can only describe as a hamster wheel of death! I don’t think that is the official name but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t watch it through my fingers! These acts and much more besides gained ‘ohs’ and ‘ahs’ and stupendous applause from the audience throughout which tells me everybody was enjoying it as much as we were.
On top of what can only be described as an incredible programme, we had a sprinkling of cuteness from the circus animals. We are not talking tamed lions and performing elephant, just members of the circus family popping out to say hello – shire horse Maizie and ponies Tinkerbell and Otto. However there is no mistaking who the star of the show was – Brian the Goose. Now if that doesn’t sell tickets, nothing will!
The whole atmosphere of Giffords Circus is wonderful from the time you arrive. There are beautiful painted wagons selling food, drinks and treats, toilet facilities on site and even a travelling restaurant ‘Circus Sauce’ to really make an evening of it. If you are looking for an outing for the whole family this summer, I can highly recommend a morning, afternoon or evening at Giffords Circus!!
Rating: 5/5
Giffords Circus is at Chiswick House and Gardens until Sunday 7th June before continuing their summer tour to other venues
Ticket prices start from £16.
For more information and to book, visit https://giffordscircus.com/
Photo credit: Jeff Moore