Giffords has certainly got the bit between its teeth this year, judging by the sheer scale, skillset and danger of its acts as we gasped, oohed and aahed though its death defying variety of showmanship at new show Waterfield..
From knife throwing to the Wheel of Death, the pace never relented, notching up the tempo with a relentless stream of dazzlingly daredevil, perilous and hair-raising exploits.
All of which was totally unexpected having rolled up at Fennels Farms HQ, expecting Giffords Circus’ unique pastoral, bucolic, nostalgic blend of artistry that’s kept us enthralled for 26 years, its new show Waterfield seemingly fitting the bill.
Unwittingly entering the famous Giffords tent having been fed and watered at its wonderful array of food and drink stalls, anticipation growing, we processed in, the initial jugglers, singers, plate spinners and clowns lulling us into a false sense of security.
Even Brian The Goose made an entrance, and Gifford’s horses Maisie and Otto were reintroduced with a sweet routine that made you feel warm and fuzzy inside. So far so good, Waterfield‘s celebration of the Cotswolds countryside, and our favourite English literary animal characters, panning out.
But then the tempo changed, The Jasters arriving in the ring, Wiley Mr Fox introducing a terrifying array of knives and a crossbow which he proceeded to throw at Sally Henry Penny with unnerving precision thank God, outlining her body as she circled before us, our hands raised to our faces, where they stayed for the rest of the show.
The Cienna Sisters‘ synchronised aerial gymnastic and dance set suspended from the circus roof was as exciting, their lack of a safety net, or proper ties, meaning that they relied on sheer grip, even their ankles interlocking as they spun in the air.
Ethiopian troupe Addis Ababa provided some glitz and glamour; their cheerful, fun and extraordinary acrobatics propelling each other through the air, with a high-energy, and flawless routine.
But it was the Valencia Flyers that really made us sit up in our seats with their Wheel Of Death, bringing a healthy shot of Columbian adrenaline to the proceedings as their two circular frames started spinning with increasing ferocity as Carlos and Robinson jumped, span and climbed through the mechanics in a heady whirlwind of incredible feats, most of which we watched through the cracks in our fingers.
If it all sounds a bit traumatic, fear not, it’s very exciting, and interspersed with the glorious clowning duo Ratty & Mole, aka Olivia and Stefan, who had so many tricks up their sleeve, produced with continuing alacrity, and the Los Rivelinos duo’s buffoonery who kept the laughs rolling. Throw in The Grasshoppers circus band and the dulcet tones of Jenna Dearness-Dark and you’re in for a treat.
And as the audience descended into the ring to join the performers in the traditional grande finale, we realised that Giffords might have changed tack with a less ethereal but equally as enthralling show, but Waterfield kept us on the edge of our seats until the very end.
And with Oxfordshire’s three locations on the map for 2026 at Blenheim Palace (May 8-18), Stonor Park (June 25-July 6) and Barrington (July 9-20), now’s the time to book your tickets. https://giffordscircus.com/book-tickets/
