'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, composed by Sarah Llewellyn with lyrics by Gaynor Winstanley. 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, 'Yasmine's Tango'. The music for this show was inspired by and pays tribute to the swing music of the 40’s, 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’.
This album is recorded from inside the circus tent, post production by Tonal in association with David Tobin, recorded by Mark Newton.
'Pulling everything together there's live music from the twelve-piece band—several 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 couldn’t 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
"...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 . . .Giffords has created a dream of a show, which would be even more jewel-like after dark. '
Liz Arratoon,
The Stage
'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 nation’s most glamorous troupe.”
The Independent
The Giffords Circus adventure began in 2000 when Nell and Toti Gifford set out to create a miniature, musical, village green circus of outstanding quality for a rural audience.
This album is dedicated to my great friend Victoria Granger.
The Band
Faith Elliott - Piano, Accordion, Voice, 'Spike' Instruments
Claire Barbier - Voice, Trumpet, Piano, Xylophone
Jean Goubert - Alto Saxophone, Banjo, Guitar, Voice
Julien David - Tenor Saxophone, Guitar, Triangle
Sam Alty - Double Bass, Guitar, Voice
Valentine Chatelet - Trumpet, Clarinet
Celine Biewesch - Euphonium, Percussion, Voice
Francesca Simmons - Violin, Voice
Michael Buxton - Trombone, Voice
Jannah Warlow - Voice, Tenor Saxophone, Xylophone
Will Buchanan - Drums
Emily Seal - Voice
Sarah Schwarz - Trumpet
Gabor Vosteen - Recorder, Voice, Piano
Sarah Llewellyn - Vocals
David Tobin - Vocals
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