Trip to Giffords Circus

This year celebrated 25 years of Giffords Circus, and my first time seeing the show! As LAMP returns to watch the show each year, I had high expectations, but was not disappointed. So I have been told, the theme of the show changes each year, and this year the big top tent was set in a vibrant 1950’s era, titled ‘Laguna Bay’. This was complemented by a four piece band, with two singers. There is something really special about hearing live music, and their performance added to the overall rock and roll vibe of the show.

The Big Top

The show opened with four men sauntering onto the stage wearing leather jackets, baseball boots and gelled back hair – looking like they’d just walked straight out of ‘Grease the Musical’. Tweedy the clown also made his comeback appearance this year, getting lots of laughs from the audience by famously getting in the way of the various acts. The way he can command a crowd is admirable, and I can most definitely understand why he remains so popular, especially with the kids.

Performers

The first act kicked off as a team of six athletic men ran into the ring, wearing bright trousers and clashing shirts, who could juggle more clubs than I could count. The speed in which they could throw and catch was mind blowing, and not a single club was dropped – I felt dizzy trying to keep up! The pressure must feel immense, trying to not let the side down – this was the definition of team work. I have to say this was a strong start and actually remained my favourite section of the show, despite many talented acts that followed. 

We were then wowed by a young hand balancing duo, who could not only create some crazy contortionist shapes, but could also balance from various body parts including their mouth! I definitely could have watched this act for longer, but who am I to judge how strenuous it is to balance on your hands, whilst shooting a bow and arrow with your feet… 

Horse

The magician was particularly charming and a true performer, but his tricks were ones we’ve all seen before (not that I’m complaining). However he came on again later in the show with his diablo act. Now, I’ve always thought there wasn’t much to it, but I couldn’t have been more wrong! His style was mesmerising, every transition smooth, and not a single mistake was made – very impressive! 

Next up was another soloist act, an RAF pilot who performed on the straps, followed by a comedy duo who couldn’t coordinate getting on their aircraft simultaneously. For those that don’t know, straps are two pieces of rope like material with wrists loops that the performer can use to hang, wrap or swing themselves from. The style of aerial is similar to the gymnastic rings seen in the Olympics, and takes a huge amount of strength to execute. I think he had a subtle air of arrogance about him, almost like he knew just how impressive his performance was, and towards the end of his act he (literally) swept the singer off her feet. Which was more to say than the comedy duo, as they spent the whole of their act just trying to lift each other up on to the plane, and catching each other as they fell! 

Aerial

Despite their effortless style and fairy-like elegance, I have to say that I have come to the conclusion that watching ‘hair hanging’ makes me feel very uncomfortable! I can appreciate the strength and shear bravery it takes to hang gracefully from the top of your head, (whilst maintaining a smile and pretending this is a completely normal thing to do), I have to ask myself… why?! Somewhere between the gasps and watching through my fingers, the two girls practically floated into the air whilst hanging off one another, all whilst upside down in the splits or creating glamours shapes. As an aerialist myself, I can safely say this is not something I’ll be trying at home! 

The grand finale was a return of the jugglers, only this time they brought with them different sized rings so they could jump/twist/flip through. Again, this relied on perfect timing and required all eyes to be on each other for it to work. Only a couple of rings were knocked over, but their beaming smiles throughout meant all was forgiven. No one faltered however when it came to leaping through the ring of fire… I wonder why? I mean what would circus be without a bit of danger? 

I can’t finish this blog without mentioning the real stars of the show; the horse, miniature pony and the dog - a firm favourite. We all know that animals can be unpredictable but I was actually impressed with the tricks their trainer was able to get them to do… all for a treat of course!

What I love about circus is that you never know what to expect next. All of the performers keep you on your toes, and when you think they couldn’t possibly do any more, they prove you wrong. I will definitely be returning, and look forward to which acts they showcase next year! - Courtney with photography by Candice