Chiswick House and Gardens – until 7 June 2026
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
5*****
Cal McCrystal and the Giffords Family have pulled it off again! The theme “Waterfield” is a Gifford family name and Penelope Waterfield was a much-loved aunt, so a fitting tribute to the legacy. Inspired by animal characters from much loved children’s stories and the beautiful Cotswolds, you walk into an immersive scene of tales by the riverbank and into the woodlands.
There is a great balance of fun, sparkle, beauty and jeopardy woven into the event, taking you on a journey from the moment you arrive in the circle of circus wagons, their deep red and gold livery making a striking impression. Jazz players welcome you into the Gifford fold. Inside the big top, giant mushrooms, river side reeds and climbing plants festoon the set, with the Grasshoppers Band, their wiggling antennae bouncing along to the music! It is a circus like no other, creating a cohesive performance for all ages to enjoy.
Olivia Louise Swoboda-Weinstein and Stefan Swoboda, aka Ratty and Mole, the quirky clowns that are so ridiculous you cannot help laughing. They encompass that tricky clowning skill creating funny, a little bit painful and sometimes scary!
The Cienna Sisters, aka The Mantis Sisters, provide grace and incredible technique in their ariel straps performance. Sometimes you are not sure where one sister ends and the other begins!
The joy and athleticism of Addis Ababa Troupe, aka The Newts, is contagious, bringing the audience to their feet as they build the difficulty of their tricks to a crescendo.
It wouldn’t be circus without your traditional ‘lady in jeopardy’, having knives thrown and cross bows fired at her! The Jasters, aka Sally Henny Penny and Wiley Mr Fox, build the danger, with a cheeky smile and a slightly insane grin occasionally flashing across his face! Their daughter, Jessyka Jasters, aka Squirrel Nutkin, joins the fray with Sonny Caveagna, aka Rodney Rabbit, providing some light relief to the intense line up of performers, with their juggling act.
The piece de resistance is the Valencia Flyers, aka The Hamsters, 3rd generation circus, they are Wheel of Death performers. There are screams from the audience as their death-defying performance increases in speed and feats of unbelievable risk. Another standing ovation!
It wouldn’t be Giffords without horses. We are treated to the cutest of ponies, Tinkerbell and Otto and majestic Shire Horse, Maizie, with coos from the audience. Their friend Brian the Goose even graces the circus ring at one point!
To bring it all together you have ring master Raf Shah, aka Weasel and his side kicks The Stoats. Seamlessly preparing each set and introducing the acts, they are a key part of the performance.
The scene is set from the start and throughout by the stunning voice of Jenna Dearness-Dark, aka Odette the Swan, in her beautiful white feather costume. The creative team have outdone themselves with costume and set this year.
If you love circus, Giffords is like no other. If you love Giffords, you will not be disappointed.