Giffords Circus Celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the Wonder of Circus with 2018 Tour

Giffords Circus celebrates the 250th anniversary of the wonder of circus, with a UK premiere tour of their new show, My Beautiful Circus. The show will open on Friday 4th May at Fennells Farm, Stroud with the official press night on Thursday 28th June at Chiswick House & Gardens, London.

My Beautiful Circus sees a wide range of talented new acts take to the ring, in ambitious new programming. Third generation Italian circus performers, The Curatola Brothers will be joining the tour with their hand-to-hand acrobatic act. They are joined by Diana Vediashkina and her troupe of dachshunds and Lisandra Austin who wows with her aerial silk act. The Portuguese Dias Family will also be taking to Giffords' tent; a great example of a proper touring family troupe, the family of eight all work together to create gymnastic and balancing acts.

Alongside these new acts, many fan favourites will be returning to the tent. Founder of Giffords, Nell Gifford will once again enter the ring with her unrivalled equestrienne act. Tweedy the Clown returns to the tent with his slapstick physical comedy, sure to have audience members of all ages in stitches. Giffords is delighted to welcome back Nancy Trotter Landry who originally joined the circus at the age of 19 and since then has appeared with Giffords as a non-drag drag singer, donkey riding Persian orator-king, a neoclassical mad bird charmer and a Transylvanian circus mistress! Dany Reyes, also comes from a circus family and returns to the big top with his contemporary juggling routines. Dany Cesar will be bringing his expert horsemanship into the ring once more for Giffords Circus, andAlfredo and the highly acclaimed Pozo the Strongman, will be dazzling crowds with a combination of acrobatics and strength.

Since 2012, Giffords shows have been directed by Cal McCrystal, whose credits include Iolanthe at The ENO Paddington, Paddington 2and One Man Two Guvnors. Maverick, naughty and uncompromising, Cal leads the company through a three-week rehearsal period at the Giffords Circus farm in the Cotswolds, ahead of them hitting the road.

As well as an exciting array of old and new acts, circus goers will be treated to new live music from the circus band, handmade costumes, freshly painted wagons and a new tent, adding a new dimension to what is already circus at its absolute best.

Circus-goers can also enjoy dining at Giffords exclusive rustic restaurant, Circus Sauce, which heads on the road with them. Circus Sauce serves a set three-course menu that changes weekly, using seasonal produce from the surrounding area.

Founder, and producer Nell Gifford said:

"We are so thrilled to be taking part of the celebration of the 250th year of circus. Show director Cal McCrystal and I have been asking ourselves: What makes the circus so magnetic? What is conjured up by the word circus? Why do we want to run away with the circus? What would the most beautiful circus look like? I hope that this year's show will answer all those questions and more."

GIFFORDS CIRCUS - MY BEAUTIFUL CIRCUS 2018 TOUR DATES

Friday 4 May - Monday 14 May
Fennells Farm, Stroud

Thursday 17 May - Monday 21 May
Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe

Thursday 25 May - Monday 4 June
Daylesford Organic Farm, Kingham

Thursday 7 June - Monday 11 June
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Thursday 14 June - Monday 25 June
Oxford University Parks, Oxford

Thursday 28 June - Monday 9 July
Chiswick House & Gardens, London

Thursday 12 July - Monday 16 July
Windsor Great Park, Berkshire

Thursday 19 July - Monday 23 July
Stonor Park, Henley on Thames

Thursday 26 July - Monday 6 August
Barrington, Burford

Thursday 9 August - Monday 13 August
Village Green, Frampton on Severn

Thursday 16 August - Tuesday 28 August
Minchinhampton Common, Gloucestershire

Thursday 31 August - Monday 10 September
Marlborough Common, Wiltshire

Thursday 13 September - Monday 24 September
Stratton Meadows, Cirencester

Thursday 27 September- Sunday 30 September
Fennells Farm, Stroud

To purchase tickets across the tour please visit:
www.giffordscircus.com

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