Review: Giffords Circus - Waterfield (Chiswick House and Gardens / UK Tour)

Review by Rosie Holmes

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The annual return of Giffords Circus has become a personal highlight each year, and this year was no exception, once again proving to be much more than just a show. It is an immersive, carefully crafted experience - one that begins long before the first act takes to the ring and lingers well after the final bow. It always signals the beginning of the summer for me, as it pitches up in West London at Chiswick House before continuing its tour of the South and South West of England. 

The magic of Giffords begins long before anyone steps into the ring. From the moment you walk through the gates, you’re welcomed into a village of tents, crowned by the iconic Big Top, every inch adorned with Giffords’ trademark whimsy. This year’s theme, Waterfield, is inspired by the Cotswolds and the British countryside, and the effect is immediate. It feels like stepping into the pages of a long-forgotten storybook,  a place where, just for one evening, the noise of the outside world is gently shut out. As the sun begins to set, audiences sip drinks, listen to live music, and soak in the atmosphere. There’s a wonderful, communal sense of joy and anticipation. 

Of course, atmosphere alone wouldn’t sustain Giffords’ reputation, and thankfully, the show itself more than lives up to expectations. One of the great strengths of Giffords Circus is its understanding of its audience. There’s a reassuring familiarity for returning fans, with beloved elements reappearing year after year, but never without freshness or evolution. Case in point: Brian the Goose. Yes, a real goose. His appearance is fleeting, yet somehow, in a show packed with astonishing human skill, Brian manages to steal the spotlight; it’s pure Giffords, playful and utterly delightful.

Waterfield is directed by Cal McCrystal, returning for his 15^th year, and drawing inspiration from the beauty of the Cotswolds and the animal characters of 20th-century children’s literature. The result is something reminiscent of Wind in the Willows. McCrystal creates a world populated by animals and nostalgia, which is stitched together with warmth, humour, and a subtle emotional through-line that celebrates perseverance. 

At the heart of that storytelling are this year’s clowns, Olivia and Stefan, appearing as Ratty and Mole. Their clowning is beautifully pitched – charmingly foolish yet underpinned by formidable skill. A particularly memorable fitness routine neatly encapsulates the show’s central message: if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. It’s joyful and silly, delighting members of the audience of all ages. 

The aerial highlight comes courtesy of the Cienna Sisters as the Mantis Sisters. Dressed as insects, they deliver a lyrical aerial routine that is nothing short of breathtaking. Balletic and fluid, their performance sees them dance through the air with astonishing grace and control, prompting the audience to collectively hold its breath. Tension is dialled up significantly with The Jasters, whose knife-throwing and crossbow act is not for the faint-hearted. Giacomo Sterza’s precision is nerve-shredding as he hurls knives towards Elena Busnelli in increasingly daring displays, all while sporting an impressively unwieldy fox tail. It puts you on the edge of your seat and is the kind of act that has you wincing one moment and applauding the next.

As the Newts, the Addis Ababa troupe bring infectious energy with an ambitious banquine routine. Not every trick lands on the first attempt or even the second, but rather than feeling uncomfortable, this becomes one of the evening’s most memorable elements. When they finally succeed, the roar of applause feels genuinely euphoric. It’s a shared experience of joy perfectly embodying the show’s message of perseverance. The evening builds to a spectacular finale with the Valencia Flyers, who introduce the Wheel of Death to Giffords for the very first time. Brothers Carlos and Robinson deliver gravity-defying feats that are nothing short of jaw-dropping. Watching them perform is exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure, a stomach-dropping, awe-inducing circus at its very finest.

Threaded throughout the evening is live music performed beautifully by Jenna Dearness Dark, whose vocals provide a wonderfully eclectic soundtrack. From ‘Tragedy’ to ‘Wuthering Heights’ and ‘Brimful of Asha’, the song choices are unexpected but inspired, adding emotion and fun while the live band keeps the energy flowing and the atmosphere buoyant; they are perhaps unsung heroes of the evening. 

Visually, Giffords continues to set the bar high. Costume design by Takis is everything you want from a circus: sparkling, characterful, and gloriously imaginative, complete with many magnificent, oversized tails. The production design ensures the British countryside permeates every inch of the Big Top, with reeds, lily pads, and clever staging that allows performers to emerge from and observe the world they inhabit.

Waterfield may not be flawless, but its imperfections only add to its charm. Giffords Circus remains a space of shared wonder, laughter, and escapism. But also showcasing some exceptional talent. It’s a truly magical night out for all the family and one that, once again, reminds us just how special live performance can be. I, for one, am already looking forward to next year’s show!

Giffords Circus - Waterfield plays at Chiswick House and Gardens until 7th June, before venturing to Northamptonshire and Stroud. Tickets from https://tickets.giffordscircus.com/category/65923

Photos by Jeff Moore