July 13th 2023
July 24th 2023
Giffords Circus – Les Enfants du Paradis
Giffords Circus is a magical vintage village green circus that tours England from the first days of spring to the first glimpse of winter. It’s a Cotswolds institution, founded in 2000 by Nell and Toti Gifford and to date it has been visited by over one million people. Giffords is much more than a circus, it’s a magical nod to old fashioned circus with a glamorous twist.
It’s a side-splitting show directed by comedy genius Cal McCrystal that appeals to both young and old, and with a cult following of local farmers, rock stars and A-list celebrities. Step inside the tent into a colourful madcap world of acrobats, jugglers, horses, musicians, dancers, and Tweedy the Clown. A production that would rival any West End show.
“The most fun you can have in a tent. Genius. Children vomiting with laughter.”
– Hugh Grant
“Les Enfants du Paradis will be our most lavish show yet! And with romance at its heart, the show’s narrative will provide a playful context for some of the most intriguing, exciting and beautiful acts ever to appear at Giffords.” Cal McCrystal, Director
Award winning and internationally renowned production designer takis, whose elegant work has graced the stages of the world’s greatest opera houses, will once again create lavish sets and period costumes that will transport audiences to a magical – and unexpected – world under the canvas of the big top.
Tweedy the clown has been at the heart of Giffords Circus for over 15 years, bringing new comic routines and skills to the show each year. At the centre of the story and action, he makes a welcome return in Les Enfants du Paradis, with his unique brand of slapstick comedy guaranteed to have everyone in stitches.
Tweedy will be joined by actor and singer Michael Fletcher, who previously starred in Giffords Circus shows Xanadu in 2019 and The Feast in 2020. New acts for Les Enfants du Paradis include Antony Cesar, an exciting 20-year-old aerialist who won the golden buzzer on ‘France’s Got Talent’ in 2020. Antony’s parents are artistes Pat Bradford and Kate Smyth who appeared in early Giffords Circus shows with their hand-balancing act. Kate is also Giffords Circus choreographer.
Also starring in Les Enfants du Paradis are:
Sergi Buka, an amazing illusionist, shadow artist and lanternist who will perform a poetic Chinese shadow act. The Skating Medini (Asia and Dylan Medini) – a dynamic high-speed roller-skating act from one of Italy’s oldest circus families. Amanda Sandow with her beautiful liberty pony act. Foot juggling and aerialist artistes Romy and Alex Michael. The Luna Girls – aerial hoop duo Marina Alvarado de Luna and Markia Ashley Gould.
The Ethio-selam Troupe, a very exciting Ethiopian acrobatic troupe, who will perform the double Chinese pole. The Ethio-selam Troupe are managed by Bibi and Bichu, Giffords alumni and jugglers who appeared in more than 10 Giffords Circus shows and were adored members of the circus.
TICKETS
Adults : £20 – £40
Children : £10 – £30
Circus Sauce is Giffords unique, travelling licensed restaurant which opens for dinner following the show. It has a weekly changing set menu of three-courses costing from £50 adults and £30 children.
“One of the most memorable and enjoyable restaurants imaginable” Gastronomica
Dinner is a rustic extravagant inspired three-course feast, served on large Emma Bridgewater serving platters and using local and seasonal ingredients by a team of talented chefs, led by Circus Sauce Head Chef and cookbook author Ols Halas.
“And what food! They source the freshest produce available” Observer Food Monthly
Circus Sauce is now licensed and will be selling a range of beer, cider, and wine.
“All my children (and me) want to run off to join this circus.”
– Sophie Ellis-Bextor
For more information and to book tickets for Giffords Circus Les Infants du Paradis Or Circus Sauce please visit giffordscircus.com