Gifford's Circus | Chiswick House and Gardens

There’s no better way to spend a summer afternoon than strolling through the British countryside. If you watch closely, you might catch Odette the swan singing a melody or the newts performing acrobatic stunts in the pond. As Rodney Rabbit swaps carrots for juggling balls and the mantis sisters twirl through the air, new arrivals Ratty and Mole attempt to earn their place and make a home in the valley…

Nell Gifford ran away with the circus at age 18 before studying English at Oxford university.  Post-graduation returned to the circus scene, where she met her former partner and worked to realise her lifelong dream of starting a village green circus. Gifford's Circus was founded in 2000 and has been thriving ever since, with a new show theme every summer.

The Chiswick House and Gardens are the perfect setting for this salt of the earth circus. From the second I arrive, I am transported back to the early days of circus, with the vintage big top in the middle of a green, surrounded by painted circus wagons. The more traditional aesthetic combined with the smell of cotton candy and fresh popcorn gives us some sensory escapism from the tech-based world our lives seem to revolve around these days. 

This year's British countryside theme is truly inspired and makes the circus hold its own, especially with its focus on integrating the performer’s skills with tangible storytelling. They seem to meet you on your level and invite you to see that the seeming impossible is actually within your reach, a real tribute to the home-grown origins of Giffords.  

I think it’s fair to say that a ringmaster can make or break a circus. They hold the keys to audience engagement and take us on a journey through the acts. They have the power to spark a sense of excited anticipation even before an act has entered the ring and help to breathe new life into acts that regular circus goers are very familiar with. 

Raf Sha definitely takes his place amongst the greatest ringmasters. He’s warm and welcoming, as any ringmaster should, be but he has a gift with his ability to create a sense of childlike wonder through his poetic storytelling and recitations. 

It’s hard to pick a standout performer in this exceptional cast. Each embodies the spirit of their animals whilst sharing their specialist skills with us, as we look on in awe and amazement. 

Gifford's Circus is more than just a name heard in passing. It’s a truly one-of-a-kind experience, that leaves behind an unforgettable magic. 

Gifford's Circus is taking place at different venues throughout the summer - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Jeff Moore