Giffords Circus ‘Laguna Bay’ at Chiswick House and Gardens Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Mel Randle
Last night we braved the great British weather to attend the opening night of Gifford’s Circus show ‘Laguna Bay’ at Chiswick House and Gardens in north west London. The intermittent rain showers did not dampen our spirits as the show took place in a heated Big Top and once inside, we were taken back to a 1950’s American beach resort for 2 hours of pure entertainment. My daughter (9) can’t remember the last circus we took her to as she was too young, so she was just expecting the stereotypical clown on a unicycle, which I think is what most people associate with a circus. But this was a show with something for everyone – comedy, music, stunts and some cute animals! I defy anyone to watch this show and not leave the tent feeling uplifted!
On arrival you enter the Circus village – beautiful traditional circus wagons and all staff and servers dressed in gorgeous costume – it felt like we had walked onto the set of The Greatest Showman. There was an array of treats available to buy – a coffee wagon, food carts, souvenir shop, licenced bar and a candy tent. I didn’t feel like anything was particularly overpriced and was happy to support them with the purchase of some delicious fries (£4) and a bag of scrummy popcorn (£3). The area was so well maintained and pretty that it was a great start to the experience before we even entered the circus tent.
The show was just over two hours with a 30 minute interval. This was just the right amount of time, especially with children, but to be honest I could have watched it all night. If I had to pick a favourite element of the show, it would have to be the music. A live band, The Semitones, performed throughout with singing from professional performers Mikey Fletcher and Nell O’Hara. I am nowhere near old enough to remember the 50’s, but they brought us some memorable music and with the beautiful costumes and set design, it felt like we were immersed in the film ‘Grease’.
The comedic element was delivered by clowns Tweedy and Dany & Sito Rivelino, but there wasn’t a fuzzy wig or red nose in sight! Instead we just had pure unadulterated silly slapstick which had the kids (and big kids) rolling around with laughter throughout. It’s true that the simplest of things can bring such joy and this was an example of that. They also delivered a few surprises along the way, but I will leave that for you to find out for yourselves!
And then we come onto the performers. And all I can say is ‘Wow’, although I must admit I watched much of it from behind my hands! We had aerial performer Randy hanging from a strap, Daniela and Noemi hanging from their hair, Pablo and Vickki hanging from a plane and Antonio and Connor spinning on their heads! Each one incredible, but I can’t help wondering how you ever discover that you have these skills, and it’s certainly not something you want to try at home! Add to this the Ethio-Salem Troupe and their ring of fire, Emma Tytherleigh and her amazing animals, and Maximiliano with his mind boggling magic, we felt we had a complete programme of utterly incredible artists.
I cannot express how much I would recommend this show and what a great addition it would add to a summers evening (sunshine not guaranteed!). Giffords Circus are celebrating 25 years this year. Born in England, it strives to encompass traditional values whilst appealing to modern tastes and quite simply you have to see it to believe it!
Rating: 5/5
Giffords Circus are performing at Chiswick House and Gardens until Sunday 22nd June, before moving onto other venues nationwide.
Tickets start at £25. For more information and to book, visit https://giffordscircus.com/