Laguna Bay by Giffords Circus Review
Gifford Circus Laguna Bay Tweedy, Nell O'Hara, Daniela and Noemi. Photo by Spencer McPherson
Written by Mia for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Shakespeare once said ‘If music be the food of love, play on’ and whether or not you agree with that, music makes a huge difference to many things. Gifford’s Circus is one of them.
Don’t get me wrong - it would be a good show anyway, but what makes it exceptional are the live band (the Semitones) and singers (Mikey Fletcher and Nell O’Hara) throughout who provide a toe-tapping experience. It’s almost impossible not to dance!
The 2025 circus is set in Laguna Bay, and everything matches the aesthetic, complete with colourful 1950s costumes, an ice cream parlour, and beach huts. The T-Birds move the set and all the acts feed into the story in some way, bringing us an exceptional summery show that just makes you want to join in the fun (which you absolutely can do by the way).
Tweedy the clown is our link between everything, providing comedy elements during the act setups and keeping us giggling with his jokes and slapstick performance. We’ve seen it a million times before, and yet still we laugh! And the kids love it.
All the acts are excellent, combining strength, talent and artistry in their performance and leaving the audience gasping and clapping at the feats. The Ethio-Salem troupe juggle, leap and tumble, flying through burning hoops, and looking like they’re enjoying every minute. Their acts are a fast-paced combination of gymnastics and circus skills and are incredible!
Aerial gymnastics are a firm favourite of mine, and there are plenty of opportunities to watch, from Randy Forgione Vega who performs his breathtaking strap act in full pilot uniform. The additional storyline with singer Nell elevates the show and links everything together. Not to be outdone, Daniela and Noēmie perform daredevil tricks in the air with little more than their hair to support them, and this act is beautiful and terrifying at the same time.
A standout performance comes from John Pablo and Vickki Garcia, who perform a comedic aerial display in an aeroplane. Being able to combine such a technically difficult feat with clowning is very impressive. Meanwhile, their sons, Antonio and Connor, perform their own acrobatic handstand act.
Aside from gymnastics, there is magic from Maximiliano, comedy from the Rivelinos and Emma Tytherleigh provides the cuteness factor with her pony, horse and dog.
It’s a fabulous few hours and the production elements are outstanding, with everything - from set and props to costumes and front of house - flowing together so well, and each performer participating in other parts of the story to support their fellow artistes, which makes it feel like a really supportive team effort.
And - like I said - you can join the performers in the ring at the end and dance like you’re in Laguna Bay yourself!
Giffords Circus’ Laguna Bay plays a National tour until 28 September.
★★★★★
