Giffords’ Laguna Bay is a sun-soaked splash of nostalgia, humour, and pure joy under the Big Top
There are few traditions that manage to stay this fresh after 25 years, but Giffords Circus pulls it off with Laguna Bay, a vibrant, nostalgia-soaked escape into the golden glow of 1950s America. But don’t be fooled by the vintage aesthetic: this is a show packed with energy, skill, and a big heart that welcomes kids, parents, and playful grown-ups alike.
The scene is set before the first trick is performed. The decor, the slicked-back hair, and the surfside charm of Laguna Bay feel like stepping into a Technicolor dream. The costumes deserve their own standing ovation for sherbet-coloured dresses, beautiful swimsuits, lifeguard chic, and flight crew elegance that pop against the backdrop of the tent. The Semitones house band are instrumental (literally) in transporting us there, wrapping the Big Top in a warm blanket of surf-rock and swing. Mikey and Nell’s vocals shimmer with classic charisma, capturing the era’s flair with no effort. Their rendition of “Summertime” was a real standout for me, sultry and soulful at the same time.
But of course, it is the acts that keep you holding your breath between giggles. Tweedy returns in top form, clowning with his signature mix of chaos and charm. The icecream fight scene and the shark-infested beach chases had the whole audience laughing out loud. No surprise, as Tweedy even gets to wear a women’s bathing suit and a wing!
The highlight for me had to be Pablo and Vikki. After 30 years of performing together, their new act was a masterclass in physical comedy and heart. It had Leslie Nielsen-style absurdity written all over it: think Airplane! meets circus. Pablo plays a slightly hapless captain and Vikki his ever-resourceful assistant. There’s a runaway miniature plane, daring climbs, aerial flops, cheeky costume malfunctions, and perfectly timed catches. It’s physical comedy at its most human and genuinely clever, the kind of routine where the silly exterior hides years of precision and trust.
Daniela and Naomi brought serious pin-up glamour with a sharp technical twist. Their rope act is not only stylish (1950s chic meets power) but uses their hair in ways that had us all wide-eyed. Strength, control, and elegance in every move.
The Ethio-Salem Troupe dialed up the energy with their explosive acrobatics. The y were bold, bright, and impossible to look away from. And then brothers Antonia and Conner injected cheeky confidence and total mastery into their act, winning the audience with sheer charisma.
Elsewhere, Maximiliano’s magic was classic with a twist. Randy, meanwhile, brought a touch of romance and balance with his graceful aerials, swooping and spinning with an ease that made it all look effortless.
Animals are a Giffords staple, and this year we were joined by a pony, a dog, and a horse, each adding their own charm and showcasing the deep bond between performer and animal.
It all ended as only Giffords can: the performers inviting us into the ring for a mini beach party finale. Hands clapping, feet stomping, and everyone smiling. There’s something about Giffords Circus that makes you feel like you’ve been part of something rare and warm and thoroughly entertaining.
Laguna Bay is a joy-filled reminder that good storytelling, live music, and world-class performance can still feel magical, no matter your age.