Barnum
you are transported back in time as soon as you step through the front door
Barnum
The supporting cast fizzes with energy, performing tricks and twirling hoops in an extravagantly acrobatic style that often looks as if it might spill beyond the theatre.
Evening Standard
Barnum
you are transported back in time as soon as you step through the front door
Why see Barnum?
Come Join The Band!
Step right up and enjoy the story of circus impresario Phineas Taylor Barnum, otherwise known as PT. Barnum, the Greatest Showman on Earth. From humble beginnings to his famed partnership with James Bailey, Barnum traces his career, life, and relationships as he strives to create the world's most spectacular circus.
Written by Mark Bramble with music and lyrics by Cy Coleman and Michael Steward, the show first premiered on Broadway in 1980 before transferring to London in 1981. Held in high regard by critics and audiences alike, it added, amongst others 'The Colours of my Life', 'Join the Circus', 'The Prince of Humbug' to the musical theatre canon. Only a real sucker would miss this new razzle-dazzle revival.
Cast
Marcus Brigstocke as P.T. Barnum
Laura Pitt-Pulford as Charity Barnum
Tupele Dorgu as Joice Heth
Harry Francis as Tom Thumb
Celinde Schoenmaker as Jenny Lind
Danny Collins
Eammon Cox
Rosie Fletcher
Ainsley Hall Ricketts
Courtney Hows
Bethany Huckle
Philip Marriott
Dominic Owen
Lucie-Mae Summer
Creative
Directed by Gordon Greenberg
Music by Cy Coleman
Lyrics by Michael Stewart
Choreography by Rebecca Howell
Designs by Paul Farnsworth
Musical direction by Alex Parker
Circus direction by Scott Maidment
Lighting design by Philip Gladwell
Sound design by Gregory Clarke
Orchestrations by Chris Walker
Reviews
Our review
Magical, Terrific, Hilarious
After opening in November to some mixed reviews I was slightly dubious about what to expect when entering the Menier Chocolate Factory. One of London's most renowned off-West End theatres, I was full of anticipation to see if the reviews I had read were
Abigail
Read full reviewCustomer reviews
2 reviews, average rating: (5.0 Stars)
Mike Dowsett
Highly entertaining!
We really enjoyed the show. The Congress Theatre is great for this, the view is excellent, and the sound is good. The Sound engineer here did an amazing job of mixing the incredibly diverse range of instruments whilst also retaining their individuality and enabling each to be clearly heard an distinguished within the mix - no mean feat at all!
The Cast was exceptional - each brought a myriad of talents to proceedings. Singing and musicianship was particularly strong.
Choreography, songs and circus acrobatics were all good, but obviously a tad limited within the scope of the production. Sometimes, particularly at the start (until we had 'tuned-in') we found the narrative with the American accent and fairly rapid delivery difficult to follow - but that goes with the storyline so it is what it is, and wasn't crucial to our enjoyment.
Overall each element added enough to produce a thoroughly entertaining spectacle - we just couldn't believe the multiple talents displayed by all the cast! ... Read more
Juliet Mosekey
Brilliant Barnum!
Second time I’ve seen the show and
loved it even more the 2nd time! All
the performers are excellent and the
Theatre is perfect for the show.
Marcus Brigstocke plays a very
convincing Barnum and it was great
to see him walk the tightrope
unaided today (congratulations!)
Loved the live band, excellent
musicians.You could sit anywhere on
the Theatre to get a good view and
lovely to be up close to all the
performers. A real feel good show
that left me and my family and
friends singing all the way home! A
hidden gem that needs to be seen!
Thank you! ... Read more
Martin
Marvellous magical show
Just seen a preview show of Barnum at the Menier Chocolate Factory and it was marvellous
-one of the best shows that i have seen in years. The show bombs along at a great pace and
has a warmth shows in bigger settings and venues cannot replicate.
The intimate setting makes you feel privileged to be so near to such a talented cast.
Marcus Brigstocke held the show together exceptionally well for someone with limited
experience in this field and i surmise that he will only get better and better.
I would recommend this show to young and old - it really is a delight of a venue and a great
show.
We ate at the theatre prior to the show and must say that the food is of a good standard at
a good price. £35 per head with wine!
Book up, you will not regret it! ... Read more
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