Barnum

 

Review by Paul Towers, 2/4/26

Barnum, The Circus Musical by Mark Bramble, music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart

Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle

Produced by Bill Kenwright Ltd

At Alhambra, Bradford til Saturday 4^th April 2026

Barnum is the fictionalised story of master showman PT Barnum, the original hustler in 19^th century America, famed hoaxer and co-creator of Baily & Barnum’s circus.

Starting out as a newspaper owner he quickly learned the art of exaggeration. This led on to his renowned museum of curiosities which included a ‘mermaid’ and Col Tom Thumb (Fergus Rattigan).

Barnum the musical, currently touring with Lee Mead in the title role, really is a circus with a musical story set around it. PT’s wife Charity (Monique Young) is constantly attempting to rein in his wilder ideas, including signing up a Scandinavian opera singer called Jenny Lind (Penny Ashmore) who also plays the harp! The Ringmaster (Eamonn Cox) narrates and keeps the story flowing. A hugely talented ensemble of singer/dancers/musicians/circus performers provide all the thrills and spills that a circus needs.

This is a hugely entertaining production with just the right amount of hokum.

Barnum continues to tour nationwide.

https://ptheatre.blogspot.com/