An Incredible Night at Gandeys Circus




An Incredible Night at Gandeys Circus, Knutsford

By Jenny Schippers

  With heart-in-your-mouth moments from start to finish, a huge dose of jeopardy, and a thrill-seeking round the world adventure; Gandeys Circus made a rip-roaring return to Knutsford yesterday evening and we were there to watch the magic.

 After an enforced period of closure due to the pandemic, the family-run Gandeys Circus made a triumphant return and marked the first live circus show to reopen in the UK following the easing of restrictions on 17th May 2021.

 We visited Gandeys Circus last summer and I was so excited to receive an invite to revisit for their opening night in Knutsford with my two girls, 4 and 7 years old. We absolutely loved our previous visit so I allowed them a midweek treat, a chance to stay up late and experience the magic of the circus one again.

 

 GANDEYS CIRCUS POST-COVID


I was curious to see how Gandeys Circus had adapted to comply with covid restrictions and I am delighted to say that it absolutely has without dampening the overall show experience. On arrival, we were temperature checked before entering the Big Top, and masks were worn inside and whilst moving around the Big Top. Once seated, we were able to remove our masks and enjoy the show which was a welcome relief. The Big Top seating was socially distanced and each party had a break in the chairs to allow space between them.

 The legroom is always great in the Big Top but this extra space made us feel comfortable and not compromised in any way. The staff and performers also wore masks as they made their way around the audience before, during the interval, and after the show but were able to remove their masks in the ring itself. There was a one-way system in place, additional entry/exit points, and plenty of staff on hand to keep the audience moving. 

GANDEYS ‘UNBELIEVABLE’ SHOW


As our performance marked the first circus show to reopen in the UK since the easing of restrictions, we were greeted by a film crew for the ITV News on arrival and treated to a sneak preview of the show’s opening number for the sake of the cameras before it started. The excitement from the whole production was palpable and it was obvious that all the performers were ecstatic to be back doing what they love.

 A circus is one big family and the whole cast get involved right through from selling the tickets, serving the popcorn, handing out flyers and showing guests to their seat.  Gandeys Circus is no different and the girls loved seeing the Ring Master up close prior to the show starting; there is always so much to see in the Big Top even before the show starts and the atmosphere was electric.

 After a magnificent laser show to start, the talented team took us on a journey around the world in 80 minutes; narrated perfectly by the Ring Master accompanied by his two comedic counterparts. Moving smoothly through various gymnasts, dancers, aerial performers, and stunt drivers, the audience was whisked from Cuba to North and South America, Africa, and India.

 The show is heart-stopping, attention-grabbing, light-hearted, and extremely engaging from start to finish. My girls were transfixed the whole way through and it’s fair to say the show suits children and adults of all ages. Along with face painting, a raffle during the interval, drinks, snacks, and flashing wands, there is also plenty to spend your hard-earned pocket money on! It is a true, family-friendly day/night out that leaves you wanting more.

 A real dose of nostalgia on a school night that left us all with a smile on our face.


REVIEW:

This is a Girl About review. I was invited by the management to visit Gandeys Circus free of charge in exchange for an honest and frank review. All my opinions are my own and in no way have they been swayed by their kind invite. Girl About reviews are always 100% honest. We only publish reviews that, for the most part, are positive.


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