Roll up, roll up! Giffords Circus makes long-awaited return to London

Gather by the big top, the circus has come to town
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Sophie Rainbow2 July 2021

Giffords Circus has finally headed back to London this summer, marking its long-awaited return with a brand new show.

The new show, called the Hooley, will play at Chiswick House and Gardens until Sunday July 11, and organisers say it “promises a magical spectacle for all ages.”

Conceived by writer and director Cal McCrystal and Nell Gifford, before Nell’s untimely loss to cancer in December 2019, the show has been produced by Nell’s niece Lil Rice, together with long-time Giffords Circus musical director James Keay, and rising star set and costume designer, takis.

Established in 2000 by Nell and Toti Gifford, Gifford’s combines dance, comedy, horses, and live music, and this year’s show will be dedicated to Nell.

According to Cal McCrystal, visitors to The Hooley can expect “faeries, trolls, pixies, leprechauns, wild horses, Celtic music and dancing and all the madcap magic that Giffords is synonymous with.

“Nell and I had a great time planning this show and, being Irish, I can’t wait to share what promises to be a most magical show.”

Rice, meanwhile, added: “I am honoured to be stepping into the role of producer and to be working with such a great team. It is, of course, bittersweet having lost Nell, but it remains a family business and a legacy that we carry on for Nell’s twins, Red and Cecil.”

For more information, visit giffordscircus.com

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