Sarah Llewellyn is composer and musical director for Giffords Circus . Produced by Nell and Toti Gifford, a dynamic, inspirational and musical village green circus, which brings together an international ensemble of world class artists, musicians, directors and choreographers producing spectacular and extraordinary shows combining circus, theatre, live music and stunning design. |
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   To learn more, listen free to extracts of music, read reviews, see photos, click on the CD images. |
For more photos visit our gallery... |
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War and Peace
Yasmine
Caravan WAR AND PEACE 2011 |
Limited edition CD available to buy priced at 12 visit the Giffords Shop Play to listen to extracts from the CD. |
Long Long Book | Natasha's Dream | Mummers |
| Battle of Borodino | Moscou Deserte | Napoleon | |
| Natasha's Dance | Comet | Russia Gets Stabbed | |
| Russia's Revenge | Doves of Peace | Horse and Hawk | |
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Produced and designed by Nell Gifford The spectacular & thrilling 2011 Tolstoy's War and Peace re-imagined by Giffords Circus. Toured around the beautiful countryside of the south west and wales to packed audiences.
Click here to see more photos from the rehearsals, recording and show. |
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YASMINE A MUSICAL 2010 |
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  photo credit giffords circus |
YASMINE A MUSICAL Giffords Circus , 2010 Show Conceived and produced by Nell Gifford Music composed and directed by Sarah Llewellyn Lyrics by Gaynor Winstanley Direction and choreography by Molly Molloy Musical assistants Faith Elliot and Karen Hutt |
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'One of the greatest shows I've ever seen and the music was the best thing about it'
Alex James from Blur' The sell-out 2010 Giffords Circus production 'Yasmine a musical' toured around South England and Wales from May to mid September featuring a stunning new score realised by 12 eccentric, eclectic and exciting musicians, glorious set and costume designs and world class international circus artists. Yasmine Smart, the Grandaughter of Billy Smart appeared as herself with a breathtaking liberty three horse act.The score for this show was inspired by and pays tribute to the swing music of the 40s, the wonderfully irreverent work of the legendary Spike Jones and his City Slickers, the harmonies of the Andrews Sisters and the scat singing style pioneered by artists such as the fabulous Ella Fitzgerald. Above all, Yasmine Smart provided the catalyst for many of the pieces portraying snapshots of her life and work, as she became a true Queen of the Ring. "...the creativity and passion poured into this production it is at first bewildering. Inside, the tiny white tent is gorgeously decorated, Lindsay Pughs exquisite outfits would make any Hollywood film costumier weep, and while most UK touring circuses have abandoned live music, Giffords has an exceptional 12-piece ensemble. Yasmine - a Musical has a fun, concert party feel - with the artists at times sporting glorious animal heads - and some thrilling acts . . .Giffords has created a dream of a show, which would be even more jewel-like after dark. ' Liz Arratoon, The Stage 'Pulling everything together there's live music from the twelve-piece bandseveral of whom step into the ring for a duelling banjos stand-off or the odd bit of game transvestism . . . .its very fabric, honours all the best qualities of the circus world. I'll go back next year' Side Show circus magazine The whole show is sewn together with a score which was deliciously jazzy and performed by a stupendous band of players and singers. The music was beautiful, playful and pulled you into the magic of the show. We couldnt help dancing in our seats and it is worth noting you can buy the soundtrack' Kat, Bambino Goodies "It blew Darcy Bussell into the hedgerow and the Rolling Stones into the middle of last week" Jeremy Clarkson 'Britain's most glamourously inventive travelling circus' Sunday Times Style Magazine I loved it, and the night after I saw it, I dreamt about it, too. Lyn Gardner, The Guardian "The nations most glamorous troupe. The Independent Visit Giffords Circus Visit La Fanfare Suivante Faith Elliott - Piano, Accordion, Voice, 'Spike' Instruments |
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CARAVAN2008 |
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 photos giffords circus |
Gifford Circus 2008 show
... an exhilarating clash of cultures. It is as if a rural hiring fair, straight out of Thomas Hardy had suddenly been invaded by something exotic and eastern...I loved it, and the night after I saw it, I dreamt about it too. Lyn Gardner, The GuardianVisit Giffords Circus Visit La Fanfare Suivante |
