When was the last time you went to the circus? I have to admit it has been a couple of years, I think, since I have gone despite Olivia going a couple of times a year, every year. One of my favourite circus’ to visit is Gandeys Circus. This year The Greatest Show is the theme for Gandeys Circus.

I had been invited to review the circus at the beginning of this year’s run at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, but I couldn’t make the dates. Last week I got to see the show finally at it’s Ellesmere Port dates. Based at the Boat Museum, Gandeys Circus was straightforward to find if you were travelling by car. We drove up via the M53, and it is literally as you leave the motorway for the town centre turn off. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get this review live before their Ellesmere Port run ended.

One of the things I like about Gandeys is that you can always easily find them and there is plenty of parking available on site. Not just in surrounding side roads. The new big top is fully heated and able to seat 1,000 people per show.

We arrived with 5 minutes to spare and had seats on the side with a great view of the show’s ring. With it being a school night just before the start of the school holidays, it wasn’t full, but the audience was ready for a good time and threw themselves into the show.

The Greatest Show from Gandeys Circus

We were treated to so many amazing acrobatic performances from the start, with stunts becoming more daring and jaw-dropping as the show went on. With some live vocals thrown in to enhance the aerial silks performance, it was a treat for the eyes and the ears. The amount of skill and lack of fear shown by some of the performers at Gandeys Circus literally had me covering my eyes and gasping more than once during the show, which lasted around 90-100 minutes.

In between acts, we were treated to the resident clown’s silliness at Gandeys Circus, Chico Rico! He definitely entertained the crowd during the acts and alongside some choreographed routines performed by all the performers. Chico Rico is a pro at working for the crowd and appealing to all ages in the audience. I always hold my breath at crowd participation times, hoping I don’t get picked. But I love how everyone is always a good sport getting really involved in his act’s silliness.

I have to admit, Gandeys Circus really knows how to put on a show that thrills and entertains all ages. I took along my 14-year-old niece, as Olivia had other plans that night, and my sister. We all loved it despite watching through our fingers at certain points during the show.

For me, my favourite acts were the aerial silks performers and the amazing duo who were spinning hula hoops of fire whilst balancing on a ball! If you are thinking about visiting a circus this year, I definitely recommend you try to catch a show should Gandeys Circus be visiting your area!

Further Tour Dates for Gandeys Circus 2019 are;

Isle of Man  Nobles Park, St Ninians Rd, DOUGLAS, IM2 4BD THURSDAY 4th APRIL TO MONDAY 8th APRIL.

• Thursday 4th & Fri 5th April  – 4.45pm & 7.30pm
• Saturday 6th April  – 2pm, 4.45pm & 7.30pm
• Sunday 7th – 2pm & 5pm
• Monday 8th April – 2pm  & 4.45pm

Edinburgh, Sighthill Par, Broomhouse Road EH11 3UF SATURDAY 13TH TO MONDAY 22ND APRIL

• Sat/Sun*  – 2pm, 5pm & 7.30pm
• ( * Sun 21st April – 2pm & 5pm)
• Mon 15th to Fri 19th April – 2pm & 6.30pm
• Mon 22nd April – 12 noon & 3pm

Penrith, FRENCH FIELD, CA11 8UU FRIDAY 26th to MONDAY 29th APRIL

• Friday – 6.30pm
• Saturday – 2pm, 5pm & 7.30pm
• Sunday – 2pm & 5pm
• Monday- 4.45pm

Kendal, Kendal RUFC, Mint Bridge, Shap Road LA9 6NY THURSDAY 2nd to MONDAY 6th MAY

• Thurs 2nd – 6.30 pm
• Fri 3rd – 4.45pm & 7.30pm
• Saturday 4th – 2pm, 5pm & 7.30pm
• Sunday 5th – 2pm & 5pm
• Monday 6th – 12 noon & 3pm

Sandbach (Arclid), Newcastle Road (Junction of A50 & A534) CW11 2SN FRIDAY 10th to SUNDAY 12th MAY

• Fri 10th – 6.30pm
• Saturday 11th – 2pm, 5pm & 7.30pm
• Sunday 12th – 12 noon & 3pm

Guernsey Opposite The Track, Victoria Avenue, St Sampsons, GY2 4BB THURSDAY 16th MAY TO SUNDAY 19th MAY

• Thursday 16th May – 7.30 pm only
• Fri 17th May  – 4.45pm & 7.30pm
• Saturday 18th May  – 2pm, 4.45pm & 7.30pm
• Sunday 19th May – 12 noon & 3 pm

For more information and prices, please visit the Gandeys Circus website to find out how to prebook your tickets.

Disclaimer: We were provided with complimentary tickets for this review. All thoughts, opinions and enjoyment are our own.