The Stage

Yasmine - A Musical

Published Monday 24 May 2010 at 11:57 by Liz Arratoon

In 2000, Nell and Toti Gifford created a gem of a circus to tour village greens in the south-west. Ten years on, they have netted one of the circus world’s biggest stars - the equestrienne Yasmine Smart - and devised a forties swing musical show based on her eventful life.

A scene from Yasmine – a musical at Gifford's Circus Photo: Andrew Rees

Such is the creativity and passion poured into this production it is at first bewildering. Inside, the tiny white tent is gorgeously decorated, Lindsay Pugh’s 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. Elegant and inventive, Sarah Schwarz, portraying Yasmine’s mother Olga, is stunning on tight wire, comedy duo Les Freres Taquin make their first UK appearance, with Olivier brilliantly maintaining his automaton’s stance throughout, and Bibi and Bichu put on a rave juggling display. Unicyclist He Yuan teeters expertly on rolling globe and the spidery Gabor Vosteen causes a sensation with his novelty recorder routine.

But after being seen in two younger versions, with Emily Seal presenting two white-plumed liberty ponies and a high school number, the star is clearly Smart herself. Resplendent in blue tails, she finales with three Arabs at liberty in a fluid display that showcases her experience and signature light touch, allowing the animals’ personalities to shine.

Giffords has created a dream of a show, which would be even more jewel-like after dark.