Giffords Circus

Giffords Circus first visited Sudeley Castle in 2014 with Greek tragedy ‘The Thunders’ and they had such a warm reception and have returned every year. When they arrive each spring, they nestle the tent and wagons next to the ancient horse-chestnut trees with their white candle-like blooms, whilst buzzards ‘mew’ overhead and frothy cow-parsley lines the country lanes.

Giffords Circus, returns in 2024 with a brand new show AVALON by acclaimed Director Cal McCrystal. The circus, described as a national treasure in the UK, is renowned for producing a show worthy of London’s West End but in the green fields of the Cotswolds and beyond.

As determined as ever to delight, Giffords Circus will weave together a cast of acrobats, magicians, musicians and clowns from all over the world in a show that will combine poetry, music and performing arts all set on the mythical island of AVALON.

“Giffords Circus is so much more than a circus” said Cal McCrystal, Director. “To come to Giffords is to immerse yourself in another world and escape everyday life for a few blissful hours. Our astonishing mix of thrills, skills, adventure, romance, theatrics and hilarity will change all your preconceptions of traditional circus. You will fall in love with our travelling world of acrobats, clowns, magicians, jugglers, vintage wagons, and entrancing music.”

AVALON is a show that will immerse the audience in a colourful medieval world of pageantry and Arthurian legend, with lavish costumes, opulent set, and a live band all conjured up by award winning international acclaimed performance designer takis, whose innovative and diverse body of work encompasses West End and leading UK theatre.

2024 will be Giffords Circus longest ever touring season, with the circus calling at 12 UK venues from 28th March – 29th September and will welcome the return of actress and singer Nell O’Hara who starred in 2023’s Les Enfants du Paradis and magician Maximiliano Stia who previously appeared in 2013’s Lucky 13 and 2015’s Moon Songs.