Avalon | Giffords Circus, UK Tour, 2024
A rip-roaring journey into a medieval world of pageantry, chivalry, and Arthurian legend brought to life through contemporary circus arts. Avalon toured 12 UK venues from March 28 to September 29, 2024, weaving together gravity-defying acrobatics, physical comedy, and theatrical storytelling under Giffords Circus’s traditional canvas big top. Directed by Cal McCrystal with choreography by Kate Smyth and lighting design by Ian Scott, this production reimagined the myths of King Arthur, Camelot, and the mystical isle of Avalon through the lens of circus performance.
The show embraced the romance and adventure of medieval legend while maintaining Giffords’ signature blend of intimacy, artistry, and community-focused touring. Fast-paced direction from McCrystal ensured relentless excitement, moving seamlessly between breathtaking aerial work, comedic interludes, and moments of theatrical poetry that captured the timeless appeal of Arthurian mythology.
Costume Design Vision
takis’ costume design creates a fantastical medieval world that balances historical inspiration with theatrical imagination. The designs evoke the pageantry of Arthurian legend—knights in stylized armor, courtly figures in rich fabrics and period silhouettes, mystical characters representing the magical elements of the Avalon mythos—while accommodating the extreme physical demands of circus performance.
The color palette draws from medieval illuminated manuscripts and tapestries: deep jewel tones of royal blue, crimson, and forest green; metallic golds and silvers suggesting armor and courtly wealth; earthier browns and muted tones for common folk and forest-dwelling characters. Heraldic symbols, embroidered details, and layered textile treatments create visual richness that reads clearly in the intimate big top environment.
Each costume must support acrobatic feats—aerial silks, trapeze work, tumbling, physical comedy—while maintaining the flowing, dramatic silhouettes associated with medieval dress. Practical solutions like stretch panels hidden within period constructions, reinforced stress points, and lightweight materials that suggest the weight of historical garments allow performers to execute demanding physical work while preserving the production’s visual authenticity.
The design creates a cohesive world where circus artists become knights, ladies, jesters, and mythical beings, transforming the big top into Camelot and the mystical isle of Avalon.
Creative Team
- Director: Cal McCrystal
- Costume Designer: takis
- Choreographer: Kate Smyth
- Lighting Designer: Ian Scott
- Producers: Giffords Circus
Production Context
Avalon continues Giffords Circus’s tradition of creating narrative-driven circus experiences that tour the English countryside. The 2024 production demonstrates how enduring stories—in this case, Arthurian legend—can be reimagined through circus arts, creating theatrical experiences that feel both familiar and freshly conceived.
The choice of Arthurian legend connects to British cultural heritage, making the production resonate particularly deeply with UK regional audiences. The myths of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, and the quest for the Holy Grail have captivated British audiences for centuries, and Giffords’ approach allows these ancient stories to be experienced through the visceral, immediate medium of live circus performance.
The production toured during Giffords’ spring-to-autumn season, visiting venues including Sudeley Castle, Blenheim Palace, Chiswick House and Gardens, Windsor Great Park, and other historic locations where the medieval setting of Avalon resonated with the architectural and cultural contexts. This site-specific approach—presenting medieval stories in historic venues—created immersive experiences where the show’s themes felt integrated into the broader environment.