Giffords Circus’ Waterfield at Chiswick House & Gardens

Putting up the big top next door to the idyllic Chiswick Park, Giffords Circus arrives in London with a new summer show, inspired by and themed around the English countryside, complete with ponds and lyrical creatures: Waterfield. The company was born 26 years ago from a family environment, founded by the late Nell Gifford and her husband Toti Gifford, and retains that atmosphere throughout: from the tent, which almost feels cosy in its dimensions and proximity of benches, to the endearing short number featuring Tinkerbell the horse and Brian the Goose. A fairy-tale animal-like appearance – aptly comparable to Beatrix Potter stories, given the title comes from Red and Cecil, the founders’ children – is the trademark of all the performers in this production.

Weasel Raf Shah – ringleader and presenter – opens the show attempting to recite a poem, when he is interrupted by Ratty and Mole (Olivia and Stefan), a comedy duo who occasionally pop up with their physical farce and who, at the very end, prove themselves acrobatic-worthy performers. Another duo brings an additional and exciting tone to this summer programme – audacious to daredevil level – and it’s Sally Henny Penny & Wiley Mr Fox (the Jasters), an Italian couple who hold the audience’s breath throughout their knife-throwing act. The Mantis Sisters (Cienna Sisters) bring aerial straps acrobatics defined by grace and exact command, delivering a hypnotising stunt. And if, on one side, the circus showcases the incredible feats human beings are capable of, it also exposes how greatness can be achieved when acting together, as a community based on trust and support. Banquine is probably one of the best proofs of this, and the Newts (Addis Ababa Troupe) sequence is exhilarating and captivating. And yes, a couple of numbers were repeated twice until the human column of three men could stand without wobbling or falling; however, these are challenging exercises, and the jolly and spontaneous attitude of the troupe easily got the crowd on their side, cheering even louder when success eventually arrived.

Talking about challenging feats, the final Wheel of Death is sensational: the Hamsters (Valencia Flyers – Miguel Angel Hernandez Diaz and Carlos Mayorga Macias) spin and manoeuvre the metal apparatus with the weight of their bodies and the force of their jumps, inside and running outside, blindfolded, skipping ropes, and inserting a few somersaults in between. Robust and dynamic, they seem to soar across the frame with thrilling control.

The live music and vocal performances of the Grasshoppers (Giffords Circus Band) and Jenna Dearness-Dark infuse the production with gusto, even though some pieces become a little repetitive.

Writer and director Cal McCrystal is flanked by an incredible team of creatives, including production designer Takis and set and props designer Beatrix Eden, who craft a green and candid background that exquisitely sets the scene without overshadowing the artists.

Whether enjoyed as part of a day out immersed in one of London’s treasured parks or in a charming English town, Waterfield delivers wonder and cheerfulness for all ages.