THE crowd gasps as the black stallion rears on its hind legs and a juggler's club arcs towards the roof of the big top in a mesmerising cascade.

Yes, Giffords Circus has come to Malmesbury and what an enjoyable show it was, too.

Based on the village circus acts of the 1930s, this is a small-scale affair.

The big top, set up on St Aldhelm's Mead, has room for just 260 people and was packed when I went there on Thursday.

The position of the audience, filled with both children and adults, crowded in on the small ring, provides a very intimate setting.

The faces of some of the children were a fitting reflection of the popularity of the acts.

Little mouths open in amazement, screams, chuckles of delight and gasps of awe when one of the stars of the show, Ids the black stallion, burst into the ring.

The small tent seemed scarcely able to contain his massive frame, but with gentle touches and body language, Dutch trainer Miriam Kremers was able to coerce him to perform.

Other acts included jugglers Bibi and and Bichu, Oleg the Russian strong man, fiddler on a rope Kwaban Lyndsey and not to forget the fierce and ferocious Mojo.

New to the circus this year, an Argentinian gaucho act kept up the tempo of the show with drums, Cuban heels and tiny balls on strings.

Also a new addition was upside down tapdancer Emily Park, doll-like dancer Isabelle Woywode and Rebecca Townsend, the lovely equestrienne.

Every act was accompanied by a live two-man band.

The thread of the whole show is comedy.

The circus will be at Minety Summerhouse Farm Riding School from

from July 17 until July 21 and Marlborough Common from August 21 until September 1.

For tickets call the box office on (01242) 572 573.