Giffords Circus ‘Avalon’ Review

Written by Cathie for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.

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Roll up roll up to Chiswick House and Gardens, for the circus has come to town. The Giffords circus team has gone all out to present an authentic experience which feels like stepping back in time or into an Agatha Christie set. The array of caravans around the big top tent feel very immersive and makes the fast based hustle of London seem very far away. This makes the magic of Avalon seem very possible.

Giffords Circus, now in its 24th year is presenting a King Arthur-based Avalon experience. This comprises mostly of medieval stained glass imagery, gorgeous costumes and hilarious rhyming couplets such as “shun ye the flash, lest ye disturb the peace.” You can film, but they request that you don’t use flash. You don’t want to film too much as you’ll miss out on all the fun! The acts are all themed around key characters of Arthurian myth, but if you aren’t knowledgeable about this it’s all easily explained in the show.

There is a very pleasing variety of acts that perform throughout this show. They are performers from around the world, yet this circus feels quintessentially English in the best way. Firstly there is “Gwennie and the Jets”, the amazing in-house band led by Queen Guinevere (Nell O’Hara). We also follow the hilarious clown Cuthbert (Tyler West) as he attempts to become a round table knight. He is fabulous in bringing the storyline to life and is a definite hit with the children with an imaginative popcorn act. He also works with the stunning wizard Merlin (Maximiliano Stia) in a dazzling array of tricks and performances. My favourite was the fire eating and turning tables escapology. Sir Lancelot and Lady Morgan la Fay (Dylan and Asia Medini) have a variety of acts which will boggle your mind, including roller gymnastics and terrifying balancing acts. King Arthur (Nick Hodge) leads gracefully in Cyr wheel and aerial rope gymnastics and is breath stealing in his performances. Isolde and Enid (Morgan Barber and Victoria Sejr) are phenomenal in their aerial ring performance and you will literally be hanging onto your seat in wonder at some of their techniques. Finally, there is Sir Dragonet and the Lady of Shalot (Patrick Clarison and Pip Ashley) who lead rescue dogs and a Shetland in a sweet tricks act. If you are against animals in the circus then I would suggest not going, but the act is very sweet and it’s clear the animals are enjoying performing. The little white dog in particular stole the show by excitedly dancing for the audience. The performers are also available to chat to in the interval and afterwards to hear about their training and dedication.

The majority of the performers are circus royalty and their families have been involved for generations of circus revelry. Therefore if you want the most authentic and passionate experience of true circus pageantry I can think of no better example in London right now. This show is so very family friendly so would be a brilliant family night out. This show is running at 2 hours including a short interval so the pace is fast and enjoyable throughout. You’ll be laughing and cheering and dancing in your seat towards the end as the positive atmosphere and cheery camaraderie between the audience and cast is magical to enjoy.

This experience is the perfect mix of old English charm and modern daring. It’s one of the most wholesomely joyful and unique experiences you can find in London so I suggest running away to the delights of this circus as soon as possible.

Book your tickets for Gifford Circus’ Avalon here.

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