A sensational new show touring
Giffords Circus enters its 26th year with its most ambitious production yet; Waterfield which is touring across the South of England until 27 September. The show marks a return to the English countryside, to handcrafted storytelling, and to the original spirit that first set the circus in motion.
Inspired by the charming wildlife of rural England, Waterfield unfolds like a living storybook drawing on the tradition of British children’s literature. Audiences will meet a host of feathered and furred characters brought to life through death defying circus acts, comedy, and movement along a magical riverbank.
Waterfield is a celebration of legacy and an homage to heritage and family. The show name has been chosen by Red and Cecil, the children of founders Nell and Toti Gifford.
Directed by Cal McCrystal, the production blends pastoral beauty with excitement as high-risk circus acts are woven into a theatrical world shaped by characters, music, and atmosphere.
“We’ve poured our hearts into Waterfield, creating a show full of joy, thrills and theatrical wonder,” says McCrystal. “It’s a celebration of the countryside, of tradition, and of a magical world, each performance hand-crafted, immersive, and designed to delight audiences of all ages.”
Long-time Musical Director, James Keay’s score transports audiences through an arrangement of reimagined classic British folk and pop tracks from the Giffords Circus live 6-piece band The Grasshoppers.
A world-class cast of international performers bring Waterfield to life with each act chosen not only for spectacle, but for its desire to push the boundaries of performance. The nine-strong Ethiopian Addis Ababa Troupe captivate the audience with their breathtaking high-energy acrobatics, tumbling and electrifying hand vaulting, as they flip from one human pyramid to the other.
Death-defying acts include the Valencia Flyers, a third-generation Colombian circus pair presenting their Wheel of Death, a heart-pounding spectacle of speed, precision and fearless showmanship. Joining them, are the Italian masters of knife throwing and crossbow artistry Elena and Giacomo Jasters who captivate audiences with an explosive display of nerve, pinpoint accuracy and absolute trust.
The Jaster family’s legacy continues in the ring with a high energy juggling act from their daughter Jessica and her partner Sonny Caveagna. They are joined by other dynamic duos, husband and wife team Olivia and Stefan (USA and Austria) who light up the ring with their playful chaos, skill and clowning, and the Cienna Sisters (USA) with their astonishing aerial strap and hoop performance. Returning to Giffords is the musical father-and-son circus legends Los Rivelinos, from Spain.
Giffords would not be Giffords Circus without their beloved equestrian friends, this year audiences meet Shire horse Maisy, and her devoted companion, the tiniest Shetland pony Tinkerbell, led by Alice Gifford. Finally, making an ever-popular return is Brian the goose, whose impeccable comic timing never fails to impress.
Takis, Olivier Award nominated production and costume designer, returns to Giffords Circus, transforming the ring with a set that truly immerses guests. Heritage and craftsmanship running through every element, costumes were handmade, sets and props painted and made in the barns on the Giffords’ Cotswolds farm.
Alongside the restaurant, the iconic Giffords wagons offer a selection of hot food including circus staples of hotdogs, fries, candyfloss, popcorn, and ice cream with the Cantina Wagon serving flavourful Mexican dishes. There is also the new addition of The Woolpack on Wheels, a joint venture between Giffords Circus and The Woolpack (from owner and restaurateur Daniel Chadwick) serving drinks and bar snacks.
In addition to Cal, James and Takis, the rest of the brilliant creative and production team joining the Giffords family includes Kate Smyth (choreography), Ian Scott (lighting), James Marsh (sound), Emma Campbell, Beatrix Eden, Mikey Fletcher, Kelly Rumbelow and Joe Avery. Alongside, The Giffords Circus Band: Joe Pickering (Band Leader, Percussion), Rob Taylor (Deputy Band Leader, Trombone, Vocal, Percussion) Laura Morgan (Saxophones, Clarinet, Flute), John Brindley (Electric Bass, Double Bass), Jack Nolan (Guitars, Vocal), Sophía Kherroubi García (Guitar, Piano, Vocal), Jenna Dearness-Dark (Singer).
The 2026 season tours the south of England from now until 27 September.
Booking and full tour details: https://giffordscircus.com/book-tickets/
Chiswick House & Gardens, London – 21 May to 07 June
