Giffords Circus – Les Enfants Du Paradis Archives review

Inspired by Marcel Carné’s romantic movie about actors and the demi-monde in 19th Century Paris, this is an utterly enchanting show.

While the goofy French names – Clair de Lune, Hugo Victor and Didier Dumont – are more Les Enfants du Parody there is no denying the extraordinary skills on display.

The choreographed entwinings of the two female acrobats of Aerial Luna send temperatures rising from the start.

Les Garcons Abyssinia perform eye boggling acrobatics on Chinese Poles and Hoops, through which they dive with cavalier recklessness.

Solo trapeze artiste Alex Michael leaps from one trapeze to another and walks upside down through rings suspended by his feet high above the ground.

The Skating Medinis revolve at warp speed on a circular platform no bigger than a coffee table; a quartet of miniature dappled ponies trot in formation around the ring under the watchful eye of Amanda Sandow.

And the irrepressible clown Tweedy intervenes between acts, encouraging the audience to ring cowbells for a rendition of Singin’ in the Rain or supplanting a puppet Pierrot he has accidentally dismembered.

Finally, when Antoine César takes off his mask as well as his shirt to perform a solo ballet on aerial straps you could hear little but heavy breathing.

Hats off to the house band (Quel Fromage) whose versatility extends to Blondie and Plastic Bertrand.

Director Cal McCrystal and choreographer Kate Smyth deliver an uplifting show that is never less than joyful and often sublime.

Don’t miss.

Giffords Circus – Les Enfants Du Paradis Archives, Chiswick House & Gardens until June 19 (Touring until October 1) Tickets: : 01453 800200 (giffordscircus.com)