Review: Gandeys Circus – The Greatest Show Tour heads to Newcastle-under-Lyme *

We were recently invited to visit and watch of the spectacular Gandeys Circus, a World Class International Circus with its Greatest Show Tour as it made its way to Newcastle-Under-Lyme in Staffordshire.  Gandeys Circus is currently on tour as it makes its way around the UK with stops in places such as Knutsford, Ellesmere Port, Isle of Man, Edinburg, Archlid amongst others. We were all very excited to see a real-life circus as it has been a while since I went to a circus and I don’t think the kids have ever been to one.  I personally remember having so many fabulous memories of going to a circus as a child and I wanted my children to have the same memories.  Our kids, who are big fans of the 2017 Greatest Showman movie were even more excited to head to the circus when they heard it was called the Greatest Show Tour.

I guess the moment of truth came, when the kids spotted the huge tent which was housed at the Old Sainsburys Site, Ryecroft as we drove past it.. you could hear the pure excitement and shouts in the car even as we parked up.  Next headed to pick up our tickets up (at the pre-booked counter).  The tickets/seats are not numbered so we could sit anywhere in the allocated area.  I would totally recommend heading to the show earlier, so you can pick a better or closer seat to the stage area.  There is a lot to do while you wait for the show to start such as getting your little one’s face painted for £4 or posing for some photos with the crew or their lion mascot.

Not long after, the show started with loud music and the cast singing and dancing before the individual performers took to stage with their top-class acts. Most of the performers were from Tanzania, Cuba, Colombia and the UK.   The multi-talented team of acrobats, dancers, singers, performers and entertainers did some death-defying acts and some did not even wear a safety net. We had The Gerlings who were running, cycling and even sitting on a chair on a tight wire rope (which got the crowd oohing and aahing).  We totally enjoyed the courageous Cubans who not only had rhythm and a super talented female in their group but all the guys also have a six-pack and they also launched themselves into the air performing incredible acrobatics off the springboard.

My husband totally loved the contortionist (or rubberman as he is known) from Tanzania who could twist and turn every party of his body…don’t think we have ever seen a bendier person. I have to admit, I had my eyes closed at times, as it was too much for me to grasp.

The audiences were kept entertained throughout the show thanks to the crew’s action-packed performances which was geared not only for the children but for the adults too. Looking around, I easily spotted children as young as two and adults as old as seventy enjoying every moment of the show.  I also noticed that there was not even a deadbeat moment even though when there were a lot of props and equipment that needed to be fixed, moved and shifted every time it was time for a new act to take place.  You could clearly see that it was a professional team who worked quickly and that safety was paramount to them.

My 8-year old daughter was mesmerised by Jacqui and Brandon as they performed aerial ballet on silks to a live performance of Christina Aguilera’s Just Give Me a Reason, sung beautifully by one of the crew.  There was also Princess Ariel in a round globe that does some fantastic splits in mid-air and the award-winning circus stars Duo Garcia who performed acrobatics on a soaring rocket.  

For me, Chico Rico was the star of the show as he gave the crowd bellyfuls of laughter as his ability to keep the crowd mesmerised and oblivious to the fact that the crew were bringing in and fixing a new prop was amazing.  He also had the gift to get the crowd involved in singing and joining in his acts.  My advice is… if he comes up to you and asks you to volunteer, just do it! You will have the best time of your life.  Finally, a mention has to go to the 3 performers who gave a non-stop adrenaline-fuelled motorbike performance in the ‘globe of death’. That had us in awe, such bravery and precision, it was just amazing to watch. It was certainly a privilege to be invited to watch the Gandeys Circus, who brought a little bit of glitz and glamour ala West End Musical style to Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Both our children were amazed at the acts and enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

Tips and must know facts:

• This show is great for little ones so don’t worry about bringing kids, but our advice will be to leave the pushchair as you would need to climb the steps to get to your seats.
• Carpark – The road leading up to Liverpool road from the main road is closed, but follow the signages to get to the carpark next to the circus (which is the closest), otherwise there are plenty of spaces in town or at the Lymelight Boulevard (there is an hourly charge for this location)
• There are lots of mobile toilets on site, but there is no water to wash your hands after, so mums…please bring wet wipes along for your little ones.
• Photography and filming is allowed, so feel free to bring along your camera and long lenses if you are keen to take some photos of the show and performers
• We would recommend you to pre-book your tickets online to avoid long waits/que at the ticket counter (as there is a separate counter for pre-booked tickets)
• The show went on for an hour, then stops for a half an hour for interval (where kids could get their face painted, have a drink, toilet break or buy some snacks) and then there is a final half-hour show
• They do sell popcorns, candy floss, drinks and flashy lights for kids on site, otherwise, feel free to bring your own healthy snacks and water

Where will the show take place at?

Old Sainsburys Site,
Ryecroft,
Newcastle-under-Lyme,
ST5 2AF

When will the Show be on for?

The show will start on Thursday, 7th March to Tuesday, 12th March 2019 with shows taking place at the following times:

Show Times:
Thurs 7th & Fri 8th March – 6.30pm
Sat 9th March – 2pm, 5pm & 7.30pm
Sun 10th March – 2pm & 5.30pm
Mon 11th – Tues 12th March – 6.30pm

How much are the tickets and how can I book it?

Adult tickets cost between £14 to £30 while a family ticket cost £45 and you can book the tickets by calling 08717055507 or by visiting their website here.

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Review of Dick Whittington the Rock ‘n’ roll panto at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Review: Robin Hood at Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent

* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.