Giffords Circus: Laguna Bay | Chiswick House and Gardens

Welcome to Laguna Bay where the soda is fizzy, the jukebox is jumpin’, and the circus flies higher than any seagull ever dared. The Giffords Circus company is back, and this time to celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a show as fantastic and as daring as its predecessors – and the creative team has pulled out all the stops to make this show the success it most certainly is.

Set in the sun-kissed Laguna Bay, this flamboyant creation is inspired by a 1950s American setting. The design by takis showcases a classic beach-town aesthetic, featuring wooden cabins, lounging chairs, and a retro diner-style Soda Bar – all bathed in vibrant colours. This ingenuity flows through right down to the smallest detail on the performers’ costumes. The women are clothed in A-Line swing dresses with beautiful retro designs, whilst the men range from Breton striped sailor suits to dinner jacket tuxedos.

More than its intricate designs, what sets Giffords apart is the musical aspect of the production. The shows feature a live band, which is often weaved into the loose story-line, and works in perfect symbiosis with the acts featured on stage. Almost exclusively sung- through by returning stars Nell O’Hara and Mikey Fletcher, the band assures that the audience is fully immersed into the creation that is Laguna Bay with many a jukebox classic tune.

The show opens with the introduction of a basic storyline that serves as the foundation for the performance. However, this narrative is not reiterated throughout the production, and it becomes difficult to discern a clear plot. That said, the essence of the circus lies in immersing and dazzling its audience through a richly layered, pantomime-style spectacle – and this is something Giffords does exceptionally well.

The show features many a typical circus act – from acrobatics to tricks with animals to slap- stick humorous characters – but manages to amaze audiences year after year with its ingenious presentations. One of the stand-out moments featured a duo aerial performance – on a plane. Giffords Circus proves time and time again that they will stop at nothing to instil

memories that will last a lifetime, both in adults and children.

As the final bows are taken and the lights fade on Laguna Bay, one thing is certain: Giffords Circus continues to capture the magic of live performance with heart, humour, and an unwavering sense of wonder. This 25th anniversary production is not just a celebration of the

past, but a promise of even greater things to come.

Giffords Circus: Laguna Bay is travelling around the UK.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Spencer McPherson