The Hooley at Giffords Circus, by Martin Marais
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2020 and all that
2020 was to be a year of celebration and sadness for Giffords Circus. Celebration because it was the twentieth anniversary of the circus's creation by its founders Nell and Toti Gifford. Sadness because it would have been the first time in its twenty years that Nell Gifford would not be part of the Gifford Circus family.
Nell Gifford died tragically from cancer in December 2019 at only 46 years of age. So, the 2020 season was to be both a huge birthday party and also a celebration of the life of the circus's inspirational founder. But, of course, that was not to happen.
We went into lockdown just weeks before the season was to start and the circus was confined to its headquarters on a farm just outside Stroud. Not to be defeated the troupe still tried to entertain, running a number of dinner-shows with socially distanced tables set around the circus ring at which customers were served the usual excellent fair that is the hallmark of the circus's after-show restaurant, Circus Sauce.
Nell Gifford: Born for the circus
Since her childhood Nell Gifford had dreamed of owning her own circus, "something magical that can appear over-night and then disappear just as suddenly. A place to go and have a really good time". And don't we all need that.
Nell ran off to America and joined a circus there and returned to Europe to do the same. Later, having met and married Toti, they bought a second-hand circus tent, built a showman's caravan in which to travel, painted it in the burgundy livery that has become symbolic of the circus, advertised for performers and set off around the Cotswolds on their first season. Since those early days the circus has become a Cotswolds institution.
The papers, quite rightly, love them, and their reviews are filled with glowing praise of the circus and its unusual style. Described variously as retro-chic, baroque and Bohemian, there is one thing the papers all agree on, Giffords Circus is a magical place that enthrals children and adults alike.
Great circuses from small tents grow
From its small beginnings the circus has gone from strength to strength. Its unique style has been part of this success, but so has the quality of the performers. Nell would travel the globe in pursuit of the best performers in the world. She attracted artists to the circus from Russia, Portugal, Italy, Ethiopia, America and Britain who perform spectacular acts of acrobatics, contortion, juggling and horsemanship that can have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
The atmosphere of the show, both tense and fun, is bolstered by the vibrant background music played by the talented circus musicians. And let us not forget the clowning about by the versatile and hilarious clowns, especially Tweedy who is a favourite of the show.
And the crowds keep coming. Such is Gifford's circus's success that it has extended its season both in time and in the places it visits. The season starts in early April and runs through to September and performances now also take place in Wiltshire and West London. It must be exhausting.
What better way to end the day
After an evening show the best way to end the day is to book yourself a seat at a communal, candle-lit dinner at the Circus Sauce restaurant. Here guests are sat at long tables to meet and chat about the show, while being served delicious food served on Emma Bridgewater Crockery: Emma is the half-sister to Nell Gifford. All in all, the experience is magical, exhilarating and gastronomically delectable.
The show must go on
So, what will 2021 bring. Well, the season will be curtailed with the April, May, and possibly early June, shows having to be cancelled, but the performers are determined to return and have already started publicising dates for 2021. You will have to be quick as some of the dates are already sold out.
Let us hope that The Hooley (this year's show, postponed from 2020) will be on the road soon so that we can join in the belated birthday party and celebration of the life of the inspirational Nell Gifford. Whenever it does arrive, the show will no doubt be as magical as it has always been.
Last updated: 23 August 2023 - Please note: This blog was first written over a year old and things may have changed since the blog was written.
