Cal McCrystal

Review: GIFFORDS CIRCUS: WATERFIELD, Chiswick House & Gardens
by Franco Milazzo - Jun 1, 2026

There is a moment, somewhere between the knife-thrower's insane grin and Brian the Goose making his entrance with the unruffled authority of a minor aristocrat, when you simply have to give in to the magic. Giffords Circus has this effect on people. It has had this effect on people for twenty-six years, and Waterfield — this season's new production, themed around the riverbanks and hedgerows of an England that exists mainly in children's literature — gives absolutely no indication that the spell is about to wear off.

Review: HMS Pinafore, London Coliseum
by Michael Higgs - Jan 24, 2026

A revival of Cal McCrystal’s 2021 production, HMS Pinafore at the London Coliseum charms with wit, a stunning cast, and gorgeous Victorian designs.

The High Life - The Musical Announces Full Cast
by Natalie O'Donoghue - Dec 18, 2025

The cult BBC comedy series The High Life comes to Scottish stages as a brand-new musical, with Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson teaming up with writer Johnny McKnight and director Andrew Panton.

Photos: English National Opera’s HMS PINAFORE at the London Coliseum
by Stephi Wild - Dec 5, 2025

All new production images have been released from English National Opera’s HMS Pinafore, running through 7 Feb 2026 at the London Coliseum. Check out the photos here! 

Guest Blog: 'It’s A Role Unlike Any Other In The G&S Canon': Bass-Baritone John Savournin on Returning to HMS PINAFORE at the London Coliseum
by Guest Author - Dec 4, 2025

I find myself once again poised to set sail aboard the peerless HMS Pinafore, with our production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s nautical-themed masterpiece opening at the London Coliseum tonight!

ENO's HMS PINAFORE Returns With Guest Star Mel Giedroyc
by Stephi Wild - Nov 10, 2025

English National Opera's production of Gilbert and Sullivan's nautical love triangle-themed opera HMS Pinafore returns to the London Coliseum this winter for its first revival, with a major guest star headlining the cast, Mel Giedroyc.  

Mel Giedroyc Will Appear as Special Guest Star of ENO's HMS PINAFORE
by Stephi Wild - Oct 1, 2025

English National Opera's production of Gilbert and Sullivan's nautical love triangle-themed opera HMS Pinafore will return to the London Coliseum this winter with a major guest star headlining the cast: comedian, actor and presenter Mel Giedroyc.  

Cast Set For West End Run of GHOST STORIES
by Stephi Wild - Aug 29, 2025

The cast has been set for the return of Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman's supernatural sensation Ghost Stories to the West End. Learn more about the upcoming show here!

Review: GIFFORDS CIRCUS: LAGUNA BAY, Chiswick House & Gardens
by Kat Mokrynski - Jun 9, 2025

Giffords Circus: Laguna Bay takes audiences and transports them from a 600-seat tent in Chiswick House and Gardens to a beach resort in 1950s America, with sunglasses and leather jackets aplenty.

ENO Reveals New Music Director and 2025/26 Season
by Stephi Wild - May 14, 2025

English National Opera has announced the appointment of André de Ridder as its new Music Director and unveils details of its programme for the 2025/26 Season. Learn more here!

Giffords Circus Will Celebrate Its 25th Anniversary Year With A New Show From Director Cal McCrystal
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 12, 2025

Giffords Circus will celebrate its 25th anniversary year with Laguna Bay with a new show from acclaimed director Cal McCrystal, featuring the return of Tweedy the Clown. Giffords Circus produces shows worthy of the West End but staged in a 600-seat Big Top in the green fields of the Cotswolds and beyond. Laguna Bay will tour from 17th April - 28th September.

Cast Set For UK Tour of GHOST STORIES
by Stephi Wild - Dec 4, 2024

Casting has been announced for Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s worldwide cult phenomenon Ghost Stories, which is set to embark on its first full UK national tour opening at Churchill Theatre, Bromley.

Review: EDINBURGH 2024: GARRY STARR: CLASSIC PENGUINS, Pleasance Courtyard
by Kat Mokrynski - Aug 29, 2024

Directed by Cal McCrystal and Georgia Murphy, Garry Starr: Classic Penguins takes audiences on an adventure through as many Penguin Classics books as possible with our host, Garry Starr (Damien Warren-Smith). There’s just one thing that’s a bit unusual - Starr is in the nude. Well, not exactly. He is wearing a tailcoat and flippers, but that’s it.

Review: GIFFORDS CIRCUS: AVALON, Chiswick House and Gardens
by Kat Mokrynski - Jun 15, 2024

Written and Directed by Cal McCrystal, Avalon is the 2024 show for Giffords Circus, a village-green travelling circus that follows the belief of ther founder, Nell Giffords, that “Art is Love.” The tents and caravans feel as though they have been pulled from a classic movie.

Review: CIRQUE: THE GREATEST SHOW, Leicester Curve
by Franco Milazzo - Jun 11, 2024

With its live singers, superb clowning and disappointing vaudeville acts, The Entertainers’ Cirque: The Greatest Show is bringing its dazzling show around the country.

Cast Set For Giffords Circus 2024 Tour, AVALON
by Stephi Wild - May 29, 2024

International circus stars have been assembled for the Giffords Circus 2024 tour, Avalon.

Garry Starr Brings CLASSIC PENGUINS to Venue 33, Pleasance Courtyard - Forth
by Stephi Wild - May 21, 2024

The multi-award-winning, sartorially shy comic wunderkind will return with another anarchic masterclass in Garry Starr: Classic Penguins. 

Critics' Pick: Franco Milazzo's Best of 2023 in Review
by Franco Milazzo - Dec 31, 2023

What a year! I pulled out my notebook over a hundred times and came away, more often not, with a happy heart. Below is a condensed list of the very best - and worst - that I saw.

Review: A FUNNY THING HAPPEND ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM at Lido 2
by Patrick Honoré - Dec 17, 2023

Jean-Luc Choplin continues to bring Sondheim to Paris

Giffords Circus Reveals Theme For its 2024 Tour AVALON
by Stephi Wild - Nov 17, 2023

AVALON is a show that will immerse the audience in a colourful medieval world of pageantry and Arthurian legend, with lavish costumes, an 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.