Gifford’s Circus presents ‘The Thunders’

Last night I dreamt of running away with the circus. This may sound a little familiar to a dream many of us had during childhood, but I very nearly did it. I would’ve been gone in a flash if it wasn’t for the small issue of now being a girl in her twenties who can scarcely balance on one leg, struggles to hold a handful of oranges without dropping at least one, and has difficulty riding a horse in anything other than the upright position. Unfortunately, I feel my only contributing talent would be to sell candyfloss and even that comes with no guarantee that it wouldn’t be devoured before purchase – and so the fantasy lives on as a dream.

No summer spent in the Cotswolds would be complete without a trip to Gifford’s Circus, which over the past 13 years has become a local tradition to attend. I normally go at least twice every season and each experience is unique and even more bonkers than the last in the picturesque setting of their various locations. Created in 2000 by talented Oxford graduate Nell Gifford and her husband Toti, they have bought local village greens to life with a magical sell-out show of good old-fashioned entertainment which truly represents the ‘Best of British’. With this year’s tour of ‘The Thunders’ in full swing, they’ve already charmed the crowded audiences who’ve flocked from all four corners of the Cotswolds to see their favourite circus. Directed by the brilliant and award-winning Cal McCrystal, this year’s production has been injected with more creativity, cleverness and hilarity than ever before, causing the show to be labelled as their best yet.

We are taken on a journey back in time to ancient Greece, surrounding tales of myths, a curse on true love and a plague of spots; lots of spots in all forms, shapes and sizes. The theme is brought to life by the artistic décor, glamorous outfits and magical flamboyancy of each individual act. Supported by the charming music of the live band lead by our favourite, although rather conservative maestro, the two-hour spell-binding performance leaves the audience enchanted.

We welcome the return of old favourites like Tweedy the Clown (causing chaos wherever he goes); a lap of honour by Brian the goose; the gravity-defying acrobats, The Godfathers, whose shoulder reflexes leave you perching on the edge of your seat; the hunky, cheeky-chappy and highly flammable juggler brothers, Bibi and Bichu; and the lovely Nancy Trotter Landry with her many white doves. Alongside the thundering hooves of Nell’s beautiful horses is Herman, the adorable little spotted Shetland pony, who leads the curse of the spots with new friends Tarquin and Domino the Dalmatians, and Griffin and Hades, who were both rescues from Birmingham Dogs Home and became part of the circus team last year. Brian the goose even has a new pal, a turkey called The Oracle, both of which are battling it out for their place off the dinner table this Christmas.

Tweedy, the Cotswolds much-loved clown leads the show with humour and hilarity aimed at all ages, allowing adults to revel in the fun and excitement on a more grown-up wavelength. No performance at Gifford’s goes by without encouraging a little audience participation, and this year, you are invited to be part of the magic from beginning to end, with Tweedy, of course at the helm the majority of the time. 

Without giving too much away, pack your waterproofs, and if you’re a strapping buff male with plans to still reproduce, whatever you do, avoid looking Tweedy in the eye at all costs if you wish your pride to remain intact!

No circus visit would be complete without some memorabilia to remind you of the magical experience of Gifford’s. During the interval when you’re tucking into the delicious homemade Victoria sponge and gooey chocolate brownies, or fresh stone baked pizzas served up in one the famous burgundy painted wagons, be sure to stop by the shop. 
Here you will find hand-painted circus mugs, exclusively produced by the renowned potter, Emma Bridgewater, who also happens to be Nell’s sister, and a copy of Nell’s new book ‘Gifford’s Circus – The First Ten Years’ alongside her first publication ‘Josser – the secret life of a circus girl’. If you dream of running away with the circus, I strongly advise you find room for these on your bookshelves.

Like any good experience, you never want it to end. 

But at Gifford’s, the curtain might come down, but the fun sure isn’t over yet - great news for those who like me, still haven’t given up all hope of enrolling in the circus.

As you walk out of one theatrical tent, you are instantly invited into another as Gifford’s welcomes you to dine in their very own pop-up restaurant, Circus Sauce. Nothing conjures up a healthy appetite for a hearty feed more than a two-hour dose of raucous excitement and endless laughter, and as soon the smell of home cooked food from the in-house kitchen reaches your nostrils, the magical allurement of Gifford’s is in full swing once more.

There’s nothing more thrilling than going backstage following a performance and meeting the stars of the show who inspire you, and at Circus Sauce you’re in for a real treat. As we settle around the oak tables surrounded by twinkling candlelight, countless pieces of Emma Bridgewater, and beautifully decorated circus tapestries, any momentary quietness is soon replaced with mischievous laughter as Tweedy walks through the door with fellow circus acts in tow.   

Throughout the three-course banquet conversation is lively, mainly revolving around Tweedy who never appears to fall out of character. The exhilarating vibe of Gifford’s continues throughout the evening with even the chefs performing their very own act from their culinary stage. 

The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed as artistes and audience discuss the talented display of creative eccentricity performed in the show - great for those looking to pick up any tips. Dishes served consist of wholesome comfort food, made with seasonal ingredients sourced, foraged and farmed locally, which is evident in the refreshing, vibrant flavours in each course. A three-course banquet is reasonably priced at £25 for adults, £14.50 for children, and because they are not licenced, diners are invited to bring their own booze free of charge.

When the evening eventually draws to a close, there’s a strong feeling of reluctance to leave the magic behind for the reality that stands just a short walk away. However with a long glorious summer ahead, there’s plenty of opportunity to visit Gifford’s on tour at one of the many picturesque destinations across the Cotswolds. Like any form of magic - you have to see it to believe it, and I strongly advise you to do so.

 To book tickets and a table at Circus Sauce, call the box office now on 0845 459 7469 or visit www.giffordscircus.com