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We started our February half term off with a bang by going to see Gandeys Circus – The Greatest Show!

My two boys, aged 6 and 8 have wanted to go to the circus for some time and I have been waiting for the right one to come along before taking them … and I’m very glad we waited.

Billed as “The UK’s biggest and most spectacular Big Top show, GANDEYS – direct from our appearance on Hong Kong’s waterfront – returns with an all new action-packed star-studded production for all the family! 

Over 30 international circus artistes – from Cuba, Kenya, Colombia, Mexico, Ghana and the UK – will have you Come Alive, as they assemble in a spectacular production proudly presented by HAYLEY and MARISKA, the fourth generation of the famous GANDEY family’s circus dynasty.”

The show kicked off with a full stage, with the acts giving a small taster of what we had come to see and what a sensory delight it was – the colours and music creating the perfect backdrop – we didn’t know what to look at there was so much happening.

Joel, the ring master was great at keeping the show together and giving us the low down on the equipment used and the risks the performers were taking.  He also had brilliant interaction with Chico Rico (Europe’s favourite clown).  Before you worry, Chico Rico is a very funny and friendly clown.  He was great at providing a distraction while stage re-sets are happening. There is a very funny set where he tried to have a party with the audience and kept playing baby shark … much to the delight of *most* of the audience!  What I loved about Chico is that he was pure slap-stick humour and had everybody laughing; the children in particular loved him.  For me this is a crucial part of the circus … having a really good laugh!

The different acts were simply brilliant, and we all had our favourites.  Freddie (age 8) loved, what he called, ‘Flexible man’.  Gandeys call him their “very own ‘rubber man’” and some of the shapes he manages to get his body into were phenomenal!  My favourites were Jacqui and Brandon, who performed a stunning romantic aerial ballet using silk to move into the air and quite frankly perform moves that almost scared me given the height!  And we all held our breath for the spectacular spinning wheel – I’m not really sure how to describe this so I’ll let you watch the slow motion clip I captured!  Bobby (age 6) couldn’t take his eyes off the “wheel of death” which came at the end … I’m not going to ruin this act for you, you’ll just have to go and see it!

#ad we’ve had #minitravellers @gandeyscircus today up at #Aintree and it’s looked utterly incredible!!! Go go go! pic.twitter.com/0glRedlxW9

— minitravellers (@minitravellers) February 19, 2019

It really did exceed my expectations and lived up to everything the circus should do … with gasps, laughter and every sense on high alert!  I would highly recommend it and in the words of my youngest “It was EPIC!”

Some useful information on Gandeys Circus:

If you are going to Aintree, just a quick note on getting there.  Please note that it is down Melling Road.  I say this because we drove past the road and went to the main entrance, then got stuck in traffic due to roadworks.  We weren’t late but a lot of other people were and I suspect it was due to the roadworks – a real shame, but Gandey’s handled it well and kept us entertained while we waited.

Also, the show lasts two hours, with a 15 minute interval.  There are toilets there and refreshments in the form of popcorn, candyfloss and hot food stalls.

Gandeys Circus is at Aintree until Sunday 3^rd March and on tour elsewhere after that.  Check out the website to see if they are coming near you!