Although I’d often heard of it, I’d never been to Giffords Circus before. After attending their 25th anniversary show, Laguna Bay, I finally get what all the fuss is about! From the moment Tweedy the Clown tumbles in dressed as a pink-suited American bellboy – apologising for his own American accent – you know you’re in for something brilliantly ridiculous.
There’s a loose beachy 1950s vibe to the whole thing: white T-shirts, slicked hair, swing and surf-rock from the fantastic live band (the Semitones), not to mention the feeling that the cast might just break into a synchronised swim routine at any moment. Which they do. With projected waves and everything.
The show opens with Tweedy being picked on by a Grease-lite gang of leather-jacketed lads, and this becomes a recurring bit: the clown causing chaos and the ‘T-Birds’ trying to keep the circus on track and Tweedy under control – impossible! It works because Tweedy is a proper old-school comic genius – part Tommy Cooper, part Barry Chuckle, all joy. His ladder routine is gloriously daft, he ends up hoisted in the air by a mop, and there’s a ridiculous ice-cream fight involving two other clowns (Danny and Sito Rivellino) and what feels like several gallons of pretend ice-cream.
The acts themselves are a real variety treat. The Ethio-Salem troupe are sensational, first with a mind-bending juggling routine (Skittles flying in every direction with precision and poise) and then later with a hoop-diving sequence that ends in actual flaming hoops. Real fire. Real excitement!
Emma Tytherleigh brings out a cheeky Shetland pony and a scene-stealing dog named Cowboy. The pony was not, according to Emma, on his best behaviour the day we went, but that somehow made it even funnier. Cowboy, on the other hand, is an absolute pro, including one moment where he balances on the pony’s back like it’s no big deal.
There’s a magician who goes by Maxi (though I think his show name was Cordy?) whose illusions were great fun – especially when Tweedy interfered with them. One trick saw Tweedy vanish from a box and reappear somewhere completely unexpected. Another highlight was Maxi doing a brilliant Diablo routine, culminating in a moment with two diablos spinning on one string that had the audience roaring.
Antonio and Connor Garcia (announced as Alvin and Calvin) are as strong as they are dishy. Both of them have that kind of superhero physique that makes everyone in the tent sit up straighter. Their balancing routines were as strong as their biceps: one-hand balances, balancing with their mouth, and a lot of very close calls that had me wondering if their early rehearsals had involved a lot of pain! Genuinely jaw-dropping (especially for the mouth guy).
Then there was Randy Forgione Vega, aka Captain Schwarz, working the aerial straps with a mix of athleticism and charm. At one point he gently hoisted Nell O’Hara (one of the singers) into the air for a sweet little duet spin – it was very reminiscent of Effron and Xendaya singing ‘Rewrite The Stars’. Nell, alongside Mikey Fletcher and the rest of the band, brought real West End polish to the soundtrack – rocking and rolling and getting everyone’s feet tapping.
Less successful, comedy-wise, was the aeroplane act. John Pablo and Vickki Garcia are clearly hugely talented acrobats, and the rig itself – a suspended model plane – was cool. But their attempt at humour fell flat. The comedy didn’t quite land, which made their incredible physical work harder to appreciate in the moment. Still, when they drop the gags and focus on the movement, they’re seriously impressive.
And then we come to Laverne and Shirley – Daniela Munoz Landestoy and Noemi Novakivska – two hair-hanging aerialists who delivered one of the most surreal and awe-inspiring acts I’ve ever seen. At one point, one was hanging from the other’s hair, while she herself was hanging by her own. Add in some silks, some spins, and the sheer power and grace of these two women, and you get a genuine showstopper. Their retro bikini-style costumes, with a metallic 50s twist, were also fabulous.
The production and costume design, by takis, is immaculate. Every look, from the clowns to the ‘swimmers’ to the musicians, supports the vibe without ever overwhelming it. The whole thing is polished but not too slick, chaotic but never messy.
Food and drink deserve their own spotlight too. There’s some great street food options, like burgers, hot-dogs and the usual circus food, as well as a proper bar with chalkboard menus and a rotating selection of wines, spritzes, beer, mezcal, and softs – all served from a trailer decorated in 25 years of Gifford’s circus posters. Whether you’re in the mood for a cloudy pale ale or something fizzy in a wine glass, it’s a lovely pre-show or interval hangout.
And then there’s Circus Sauce. The name might sound like a joke, but it’s anything but. It’s a full three-course meal served in a gorgeous dining tent strung with a thousand strips of fabric, wildflowers, and a promise of ‘circus magic’ while you eat. Although it wasn’t open yet, when we looked in, it seems like a unique and enchanting dining experience.
The whole show lands with warmth, humour, and a proper sense of celebration. My daughters, aged 6 and 10, were wide-eyed from start to finish, on the edge of their seats, whooping and cheering with the crowd.
Giffords have created something that feels handmade and heartfelt – a celebration of skill, silliness, and sheer human joy. It’s the kind of place you could go with your mates just as easily as your kids. If you’ve never been before, Laguna Bay is the perfect introduction. Be there, or be square, Daddy-o!
Giffords Circus Laguna Bay is touring the UK until 28th September 2025. Tickets from giffordscircus.com
Words by Nick Barr
Photography Spencer McPherson – Still Moving Media
