Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own

Roll up, roll up for Giffords Circus has arrived at Chiswick Park for the summer! Now running for its 26th year, this charming circus has created its most daring show yet. Named “Waterfields” it uses the inspiration of the English countryside, and well known Victorian novels including wind in the willows and Beatrix Potter’s stories to create an cosily nostalgic, yet thrilling experience.

From the moment you walk into the circus area, the entire scene feels like a wholesome step back into a simpler and more whimsical time. There are a variety of tents and vans that you can buy food and souvenirs from. Beatrice Eden’s set inside is truly a nostalgic fantasy with giant mushrooms and reeds creating a riverbank setting that is fresh out of a story book. The pacing of the show is gentle and easily accessible, for family from five to ninety five. Each act is 45 minutes long, with a 30 minute interval.

All of the circus acts are loosely themed around the wind in the willows. Our circus ringmaster is Weasel (Raf Shah) a mercurial and solemn soul who recites Tolkien, Shakespeare and Keats amongst other poets. However, this serious tone doesn’t last long due to clowns Ratty and Mole (Stefan Swoboda and Olivia Louise Swoboda-Weinstein) who perform a variety of foolish jokes and daring acts. They were exceptionally popular with younger members of the audience. As well as their tomfoolery throughout, the beautiful swan like singer of Jenna Dearness-Dark sings fantastically throughout in harmony with a phenomenal six piece band titled the Grasshoppers.

There is a large variety of acts within the circus ring. Squirrel Jessica Sterza as a foot juggler and Rabbit Sonny Caveagna as juggler provide plenty of fun and keep the excitement high. The Newts, played by the Ethiopian Addis Ababa troupe provided dizzying defying gravity triple towers. Although not perfect in their execution of the insanely challenging tricks, their endurance, positivity and incredible stage presence had the audience hollering in awe. The Dragonfly Cienna Sisters Cassidy Grace Vallin and Sydney Carrera Wilson dance with incredible agility and creativity in a wonderful aerial silks display.

This circus also has a very short but adorable animal section of two horses named Maizie a beautiful chestnut horse and her companion Shetland pony Tinker-bell. After a short demonstration of two tricks they are then herded off stage by Brian the goose in a fantastic display of goose related herding.

Yet the biggest highlights are the daring and dangerous acts scattered throughout. The Jasters are a dual act. With knife wielding fox Giacomo Sterza and partner hen Elena Busnelli, we see an enthralling example of Robin hood worthy archery and knife throwing at the moving target of Busnelli. Finally is the death defying Hamster brothers the Valencia Flyers. Using a dual spinning wheel I was literally breathless and utterly spellbound by their act. Using the dual spinning wheels they move in ways that astound the eye and dazzle the audience. Without spoilers they include blindfolds and skipping ropes in a highly unique way. The circus experience is worth it for this dual performer act alone as it is unlike anything I have ever seen before.

This is the perfect dose of whimsy and wonder for your family this summer and its incredible acts are not to be missed! If you enjoy family friendly circus experiences which blend whimsy, joy and awe inspiring acts then this is the show for you!

Running at Chiswick House and Gardens until 7th June.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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