Giffords Circus “Avalon” 2024.

Tonight was my first visit to Giffords Circus and hopefully not my last. The themed performance used the storyline of King Arthur and his Round Table. The mythical and magical storyline offers a solid background for the range of circus performers. From Merlin the Magician (Maximiliano Stia) magic tricks and disappearing act which happens so fast you are left wondering how?

Guinevere (Nell O’Hara) is the main narrator for the evening’s entertainment. Introducing the audience to our knights and other members of the Kingdom through spoken word and songs accompanied by the highly accomplished The Giffords Circus Band who never played a note wrong throughout. An absolute pleasure to watch and listen to.

The star of the show for me was Tyler West as Cuthbert, with an emphasis on the “Cuth”. He also took on many other roles throughout the performance from the lady in the lake to the circus jester. His engagement with the audience is entertaining even before the show begins. A natural entertainer with an abundance of charisma and charm.

Cal McCrystal, writer and director brings the familiar magic and wonderment of circus favourites to the big top within the modern constraints and laws in place. No animals are hurt or forced to do anything they appear not to want to. However, the ladies performing together using their teeth to hold each other up made me look away and wince once or twice.

The entire costume department made up of twenty-one members created an impressive range of costumes etc to bring King Arthur and his court to life with bright bold colours allowing the audience to see them from wherever they sat in the auditorium and velvet Robes fit for Royalty.

The animal acts used within the performance combine old-style Circus acts in the circus ring following the rules laid out in the Animal Welfare (Licensing of activities involving animals) (England) Regulations 2018. The dogs are perfectly trained using treats and praise throughout their act, the rapport with their handlers is a pleasure to watch and all of the dogs are eager to please and look incredibly alert.

If you plan on visiting the circus while it’s performing at Chiswick House and Gardens there is a convenient 60-space car park located by the entrance of the circus. Parking is free after 6pm, a rare find in the Capital. For more information on the locations and tickets please visit the links below.

Four Stars.