The circus: that magical, escapist world of elegant aerobatics, moustachioed strongmen and those funny-but-sinister clowns who gave you nightmares. Running away with the circus is a fantasy many of us have entertained (especially on Monday mornings). Two members of Gloucestershire youth project Engage were lucky enough to do just that - well, sort of - spending two weeks with Gifford's Circus. Engage, a Cinderford-based project where young people can learn circus skills, has a partnership with Gifford's which gives two members a year the chance to undertake a placement with them. Experience Max Williams and Mary Bruce (both 18) spent a fortnight under the expert tutelage of the Gifford's performers, learning about every aspect of circus life and even participating in the show. They kept diaries of their time with the troupe, recording the up and downs of this exciting and challenging experience. Read their diaries here: Mary's Diary Max's diary 
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Even wanted to run off and join the circus? Two Gloucestershire teens did just that. Well, for a fortnight, anyway.
