Giffords Circus dishes up a fun and classy family outing. So much more than just a series of acts, the Xanadu show is a complete experience, carefully designed to delight the young and young-at-heart.
The chosen Xanadu theme opens the door for a full-on hippie extravaganza. Cue long hair, beards, flares and even a yogi thrown in for good measure. Giffords Circus really put the effort into this theme. From the smell of the incense to the stage shaped as a record, they jumped in with both feet and did it really well. The theme was a genius move, helping them fully escape the tawdry feel which a classic circus might end up with. Also, it lends itself to excellent music.
The full live band and their tunes were just as big a part of the show as the traditional acts. Accompanying the visual spectacle with familiar and fun tunes helped bring everything to life, neatly filling the gaps between pieces. Plenty of Beatles tracks, and of course Born To Be Wild to accompany the unicycle. The music and theme worked perfectly together to tie everything into a complete show.
The acts themselves were, of course, spectacular. Leaping acrobats, goofy clowns, masterful horsemanship and graceful high wire covered all the staples of the circus, ensuring everyone gets what they want. Perhaps the biggest crowd reactions came from the thrillingly coordinated acrobatics and, surprisingly, the clown acts.
Our resident clown Tweedy masterfully captured the children’s mood, and the audience participation for the few unlucky adults had the rest of the smaller ones shrieking with laughter. A very small amount of water flung here and there, and the minor threat of some mucky paint, was enough to give it a slightly naughty feel, perfectly chosen to delight the assembled urchins.
Everything was clearly thought out to give children a magical, light and unforgettable experience. You could see it in their faces. The show felt safe but exciting - there was no sense of the danger or threat which other circuses use to get the gasps. Birthday messages were called in the intermission, candy was scattered into the audience and it all finished with everyone invited to have a good old dance in ring. The perfect family evening out.
