Behind The Curtain With Giffords Circus

In 2025 Giffords Circus, often referred to as a “UK national treasure”, celebrates 25 years of delighting families. We were lucky enough to be able to speak with Mikey Fletcher, tour general manager, singer and ringmaster for 2025, about everything Giffords - past, present and future.

Thanks for speaking to us Mikey, we are so excited to hear more about life at Giffords. For readers who haven’t yet experienced the joy for themselves, how would you describe the circus?

Giffords Circus is fun for all the family. With the tagline ‘A handmade show’ Giffords Circus celebrates traditional circus skills and elegant showmanship. With a show that rivals anything in the West End and Broadway, created brand new each year, we provide unparalleled entertainment in and out of the big top. As soon as you arrive to site, our perimeter of traditional circus wagons transport you to another age, providing tantalising treats and jaw dropping stunts.

Like us, you’re based in the Cotswolds, and many of your shows take place on the local village green. What is your favourite thing about performing in the area?

The people. What I love is chatting with audiences young and old about the joy that visiting our circus brings. We have audiences who came as children and now bring their own, and mums and dads who shared their first days ‘courting’ at the circus. People are so welcoming wherever we visit, it seems to be a mutual love wherever we visit and that is such a beautiful feeling.

Your Circus Sauce restaurant has been called ‘The most sought-after supper club’. What are your tips for creating a memorable outdoor dining experience?

At Circus Sauce, both the food and the people are the starring role, you sit next to people you don’t know, who become friends by the end of your meal. Surrounded by handmade tapestries from over the years, lit by candlelight and festoon lighting, the magical world of Giffords surrounds you with every bite. It is a mutual love in that restaurant tent. The chefs and servers love the people, and the people love them right back. Service charge isn’t included so remember that and they will love you even more!

We’re very much about celebrating good times; bringing friends and families together. Can people experience Giffords Circus as a group?

Very much so. People celebrate weddings with us, occasion birthdays, family reunions or just simply an ever-growing invite list. We have businesses approach us asking to block book hundreds of seats - our team of Box Office staff and amazing Front of House team work tirelessly to ensure your day goes as well as you have planned it. One of my favourite things when looking out into the audience is seeing a family with sometimes five generations all sitting together sharing in the joy of Circus. That is the magic right there.

With each season bringing a brand-new theme, costumes and performances, where do you draw inspiration from?

Each year the theme is chosen by a team of Creatives working at Giffords Circus. Director Cal McCrystal has regular meetings with the phenomenally talented designer Takis, alongside geniuses Tweedy the Clown BEM and Musical Director James Keay and tour de force Production Manager Kelly Rumbelow. Ideas can be sparked from the lyric of a song, a painting, an era, a poem, and the magic unfolds in an ever changing fast paced rehearsal process. Alongside the phenomenal live band, dedicated seamstresses, technicians, painters, artistes every aspect is meticulously thought out to ensure the calibre of the final product is the best it can be.

Could you give us a sneak peek into what we can expect this year?

You can expect to be transported into an exciting, vibrant world that allows you to completely get lost in pure and utter joy. Without giving too much away - there is an act coming this year that has never been attempted at Giffords Circus before… if I say any more I may be in trouble so I will leave it at that! Alongside the phenomenal live band, dedicated seamstresses, technicians, painters and artistes, every aspect is meticulously thought out to ensure the calibre of the final product is the best it can be.

You can follow Giffords Circus on Instagram @officialgiffordscircus and on Facebook @giffordscircus.

Tickets are available to buy from giffordscircus.co.uk