Chiswick House and gardens – until 23 June 2024
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
5*****
It’s always a pleasure to review this family run business. It is more than your average circus. From the moment you arrive you are immersed into the Gifford Circus experience. Director and writer, Cal McCrystal, and his creative crew have produced a village green feel with the circle of wagons and entertainment, before you even hit the big top! There is food and drink so you can mingle with old and new friends, plus spot the occasional celebrity.
Avalon is a great theme to weave a story through the performances. Although Tweedy the clown was missed this year, Tyler West is a great addition to the family. His interaction with the audience and dynamic physical humour keeps everyone laughing. He doubles up with ‘Merlin’ Maximiliano Stia with a unique Samson and Goliath image. The enigmatic smile and gentle Arthurian words of Nick Hodge wins the audience over before you even see his awesome Cyr Wheel performance. The Damsels of the Ring Morgan Barbour and Victoria Sejr, give you a refreshingly alternative style of aerial artistry. Along with the hand balancing and vaulting of The Godfathers troupe and Pat Clarrison’s performing dogs, you are offered a combination of jeopardy, beauty, cuteness and humour that keeps the audience engaged and applauding throughout 100% of the performances.
The artistry of the set and costume cleverly takes you into the world of Avalon, all bound together by Jethro ‘Dull’, the talented band of musicians. They are very much a part of the story. This is an experience for all the family that will be remembered forever.