Photo Flash: Jennifer Saunders, Anna Friel and More Visit MY BEAUTIFUL CIRCUS

Giffords Circus celebrates the 250th anniversary of the wonder of circus, with a UK premiere tour of their new show, My Beautiful Circus. The show held its official press night on Thursday 28th June at Chiswick House & Gardens, London. Check out the photos below!

My Beautiful Circus sees a wide range of talented new acts take to the ring, in ambitious new programming. Third generation Italian circus performers, The Curatola Brothers will be joining the tour with their hand-to-hand acrobatic act. They are joined by Diana Vediashkina and her troupe of dachshunds and Lisandra Austin who wows with her aerial silk act. The Portuguese Dias Family will also be taking to Giffords' tent; a great example of a proper touring family troupe, the family of eight all work together to create gymnastic and balancing acts.

Alongside these new acts, many fan favourites will be returning to the tent. Founder of Giffords, Nell Gifford will once again enter the ring with her unrivalled equestrienne act. Tweedy the Clown returns to the tent with his slapstick physical comedy, sure to have audience members of all ages in stitches. Giffords is delighted to welcome back Nancy Trotter Landry who originally joined the circus at the age of 19 and since then has appeared with Giffords as a non-drag drag singer, donkey riding Persian orator-king, a neoclassical mad bird charmer and a Transylvanian circus mistress! Dany Reyes, also comes from a circus family and returns to the big top with his contemporary juggling routines. Dany Cesar will be bringing his expert horsemanship into the ring once more for Giffords Circus, and Alfredo and the highly acclaimed Pozo the Strongman, will be dazzling crowds with a combination of acrobatics and strength.

Since 2012, Giffords shows have been directed by Cal McCrystal, whose credits include Iolanthe at The ENO Paddington, Paddington 2 and One Man Two Guvnors. Maverick, naughty and uncompromising, Cal leads the company through a three-week rehearsal period at the Giffords Circus farm in the Cotswolds, ahead of them hitting the road.

As well as an exciting array of old and new acts, circus goers will be treated to new live music from the circus band, handmade costumes, freshly painted wagons and a new tent, adding a new dimension to what is already circus at its absolute best.

Circus-goers can also enjoy dining at Giffords exclusive rustic restaurant, Circus Sauce, which heads on the road with them. Circus Sauce serves a set three-course menu that changes weekly, using seasonal produce from the surrounding area.

Founder, and producer Nell Gifford said:

"We are so thrilled to be taking part of the celebration of the 250th year of circus. Show director Cal McCrystal and I have been asking ourselves: What makes the circus so magnetic? What is conjured up by the word circus? Why do we want to run away with the circus? What would the most beautiful circus look like? I hope that this year's show will answer all those questions and more."

www.giffordscircus.com

Photo Credit: Gem Hall