Here at The Family Stage, we have long been big fans of Tweedy the Clown (star of Giffords Circus). After the success of his very own circus show, Tweedy’s Massive Circus, he’s back with a brand new version – The Big Number Two. It turns out that Bedfordshire Mum has never experienced Tweedy before, so we sent her off to Oxfordshire on a circus reviewing mission. Here’s what she thought.
Tweedy’s (Massive) Circus: The Big Number Two is brilliant fun. As our first experience of Tweedy the Clown, and with no real expectations, it proved to be a surprising show – energising and entertaining throughout.
Led by Tweedy the Clown, this is a joyously silly ensemble show, performed under a ‘little’ big top that somehow manages to contain an abundance of chaotic ideas. Tweedy is joined by Sam Goodburn and Charlie Bicknell, and together the trio create a world of strong characters that you quickly become familiar with – their quirks, personalities and particular brand of whimsy. They’re clearly a very talented bunch too, with an impressive skill set between them, seemingly able to deploy those skills no matter what they’re dressed as at the time.
I didn’t go in expecting a plot, but there is one – and it’s cleverly woven through the different segments of the show. Sometimes it takes you exactly where you expect, and sometimes it takes you to the prehistoric era, watching a T‑rex execute aerial acrobatics. There is also a robot. I wasn’t entirely convinced by how much our animatronic cast member added overall; it probably says everything that, in such a strong line‑up, the robot felt like the weakest performer.
Audience participation is handled really well. The adults are used to great effect, often to hilarious results, while children are given plenty of opportunities to shout out, cheer and whoop along. It’s inclusive without being uncomfortable, and it felt like everyone was having a lot of fun.
Part of the joy comes from the show’s apparent haphazardness. I have no idea how much of that is tightly rehearsed or entirely for real, but some moments are pure genius. A tightrope walk laid out with gaffa tape – which had unfortunately run out before they could complete its construction – had me laughing out loud. The balance between chaos and control feels precarious, and just right.
One small downside: the seating. We were packed in at the very back and pretty uncomfortable, with a fair amount of wiggling required to get Teddy a decent view. We arrived with plenty of time before the start, but it was clear that those in the know had arrived extra early to secure the best seats.
That said, Tweedy’s Massive Circus: The Big Number Two is messy, but not too messy; clever, but not too clever. And it’s very, very silly – though when you’re at the circus, is there really such a thing as too silly?
Tweedy’s Massive Circus: The Big Number Two is on tour throughout the Cotswolds and South West from 26 March to 31 May 2026. We received complimentary press tickets to the 3pm performance on 29 March at Millets Farm, Frilford.