Circus is on a roll
AMAGICAL trip back in time, to the long hot summer days of the 1970s with added acrobats, a naked juggler and Tweedy – this year’s show from Giffords Circus is one to remember.
The magic makers, led by Nell Gifford, opened their 2019 season Xanadu at their Fennells Farm base in Stroud.
Eagled-eyed fans will have spotted former cast members in Tim Burton’s Dumbo, with the director admitting
Nell’s merry band of men and women played more than a passing influence on the retro circus in his live action Disney adaptation.
With the likes of Kate Humble and Mary Portas taking their seats in the Giffords big top for opening night, you could be rubbing shoulders with stars in the audience - last year everyone from Jennifer Saunders to Davina Mccall caught the Giffords bug.
Without spoiling the surprises expect to be wowed by tumbling policemen, skipping hippies and a very naughty chef (and his pet iron Keith).
The ’70s styling of Xanadu, with paisley prints, flowers and the promise of a summer of love brings a wild energy to the show.
With show director Cal Mccrystal’s eye for detail flourishing with a flower power band and soundtrack featuring The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and Mama Cass as you have never seen her before!
This year is a family affair with Nell’s niece Lil Rice and young daughter Red playing key roles, along with performing families the Donerts and the Curatola Brothers.
Oh and Tweedy. Of course. Just watch out for his pots. Giffords Circus is at Sudeley Castle from today to May 28 and returns to Gloucestershire in August for a run on Minchinhampton Common, followed by September dates at Cirencester and a return to Fennells Farm.
» Tickets are available from Giffordscircus.com.