Gifford's Circus

What tonic do you need on a cold, wet, Summer night? Gifford's Circus!

As you approach their ground, everything grows more joyful as you catch the smell of popcorn and candyfloss, spot the gaudy purple wagons and hear jazz amongst a murmur of anticipation as the audience gathers.

Inside the Big Top, the mood relaxes whilst the excitement builds. We see a castle with stained glass windows, a tower, a golden glow from candles and coloured lights and the Ring. Seats are raked in a part circle so everyone has a good view. A colourful crowd, some obviously dressed up for the occasion.

After some warm-up pre-show jester work, Guinevere, as Ringmistress, starts the storyline in rhyme, using a theme of Arthurian legend to take us to Avalon - but the main tale is of small person Cuthbert's quest to be accepted and raised to be a knight. Sir Galahad with a very cheeky sense of humour. Several performers work with him in comedy routines as well as their own speciality turns.

The thrill is the skill of the artistes, not obscured by high-tech razzle. Merlin eats fire and disappears; Morgan works hula-hoops by the dozen; Lancelot balances high above a cylinder tower; Arthur rolls in the big hoop; rollerskates, aerial rings and ropes, acrobats... along with a couple of audience volunteers.

In the interval, children were trying to copy Cuthbert's jokes. Business with the inevitable sword-in-the-stone opens the second half. The pony and dog acts did not appeal to me, but the youngsters loved them.

This year's show from Gifford's Circus ends with the cast of acrobats, magician, musicians and clowns parading in the Ring before asking the audience to join them in a free-for-all dance.

AVALON immerses the audience in a colourful medieval world of pageantry and Arthurian legend, with lavish costumes, opulent set, and a live band. It is as skilled as Cirque, but more intimate, funny and endearing.

Uplifting on a dull evening; on a fine night you will be entralled!

Derek Benfield