Barnum Review: talented troupe juggles musical theatre and circus
- Jack Davey
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
31 March 2026 I 19:30 I Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (UK Tour)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite
American entertainer P.T. Barnum is a world-famous name, known for his travelling circus in the nineteenth century. But before his story soared to fame through The Greatest Showman, there was Barnum. Making its UK debut at the London Palladium in 1981, Michael Crawford made theatrical history by walking the tightrope live on stage every night. Repeating the same on its latest tour, Lee Mead leads a magnificent actor-musician ensemble of over 20, polished with acrobats and circus talent.
Traversing P.T. Barnum's history can be tricky as, unlike its modern counterpart, Barnum oversees the showman's exploitation of his human and animal performers. Mark Bramble's book briefly skims these political topics while acknowledging his remarkable advancements in the entertainment industry, from meeting wife Charity to his moral lapses with songstress Jenny Lind.
Choreographed by Strictly's Oti Mabuse and with circus direction by Amy Panter, this musical takes a step back from the traditional theatre experience, as audiences are immersed 'under the big top' with acrobats, puppeteers and fire twirlers. Bramble's script isn't always packed with profound storyline, rather conceptualising the show as a series of vaudeville acts that prioritise spectacle.
Even transitions keep the artistry alive, for instance in the setting up of a restaurant. Opposed to simply walking with the scenery, the ensemble decorate it with somersaults and glittery drink explosions, masking the mundane action of laying tablecloths and placing chairs.
The onstage talent is extraordinary across the company, really elevating the material. And stage icon Lee Mead makes no exception in his infamous tightrope walk at the end of Act One. The audience falls absolutely silent, my heart was in my mouth. Though with one minor stumble, he crosses the stage in one of the most impressive live feats I have seen. Mead makes for a terrific ringleader as P.T. Barnum, not shy of his audience and thoroughly convincing, giving us room to trust Barnum's magic.
Jonathan O'Boyle's production perfectly captures the whimsy of the circus under Cy Coleman's score. As a whole, Barnum is aesthetically as you would expect, leaning into stereotype. While there aren't many surprises, you feel instantly comfortable in what you're getting. A false proscenium arch can be seen in Lee Newby's design, inspired by the Watermill's original staging. It exudes a theatre-ness that both younger audiences, and your inner child, will be fascinated by.
Many of the solos are beautifully delivered, from Penny Ashmore's (Jenny Lind) angelic Love Makes Such Fools Of Us All on the harp, to Dominique Planter's charisma as Joice Heth in Thank God I'm Old. Mead in particular revels in challenge, with musical tongue-twisters always led with clarity and a professional approach. And opposite Monique Young 's endearing Charity Barnum, the pair are easy to love.
Despite a less commercial vision than The Greatest Showman, Barnum embraces the true nature of the circus, successfully seeking to amaze with scenes you're unlikely to see on the Alhambra stage, or indeed across the UK, for years to come. Lee Mead's tightrope walk is worth the ticket price alone! Everything is so 'circus' that it can become samey, but with an exciting actor-muso troupe, you can expect your jaw to hit the floor... And just wait until you meet Jumbo the Elephant!!
UK Tour Information & Tickets: https://www.kenwright.com/productions/barnum-2026-uk-tour/
