Based on the book by Mark Bramble this high energy and colourful musical tells the story of PT Barnum, the legendary 19th century showman. While there are undoubted and understandable similarities in the storyline to the film The Greatest Showman, which also tells this familiar story, this Barnum was the original! Any comparisons with that blockbuster movie would be unfair: it may not possess the same familiar songs from the film, but this show is a spectacle in its own right and no-one could be disappointed.
What this show does have, however, is star quality in the shape of musical theatre legend Lee Mead who stars as Barnum {he’s set to star in all the Yorkshire shows – in Bradford, Sheffield and Hull – on this tour). Mead’s warmth, wit and charm became evident within the first ten minutes of him arriving on stage. Monique Young plays Charity Barnum, PT’s wife: her singing and musicianship were commendable and outstanding. At times she even overshadowed Mead and became the leading light in some scenes.
Main character chemistry
The chemistry between Young and Mead could do with a bit more work for it to become more convincing – there appeared to be too much distance between the two, making them appear more like business partners than man and wife. But perhaps that’s intentional, because any lack of chemistry in these ‘married’ leads, is made up for in Barnum’s relationship with his love interest, Jenny Lind. Lind was a young Swedish opera star who performed in Barnum’s circus and is played here by Penny Ashmore. Watch out for her operatic interludes which made you wonder how such a strong voice could emanate from someone with a small physique.
A musical variety show
The musical itself walks a tightrope between being a variety show and a musical with an actual plot. It does succeed, eventually, thanks to the cast of musicians, actors and acrobats who all work tirelessly.
Alongside the circus acts and an on-stage band, there is a storyline going on, but it’s fairly flimsy. Barnum’s a dreamer with ambition, who initially runs a circus museum, then runs to become mayor before finally returning to his first love: running a circus. In one scene he even walks an actual tightrope, as the audience gasps in wonderment!
The circus acts take centre stage, meaning that the choreography, by Oti Mabuse, feels as if it’s kept to a minimum. With such a large cast any big dancing scenes would not have been easy in any case, but the marching band sequence in Come Follow The Band is exuberant and colourful and was one of the highlights of this fast-moving musical.
With a running time of two hours and 20 minutes, there is a lot to fit in. This means that at times, the storylines might seem a little rushed – moving from one scene to another, sometimes leaving the audience to join the dots – the talented cast and the combination of music, circus acts and performance really carry the show.
Colourful and vibrant
In this real world of confusion, the simple story of a man chasing his dreams and succeeding is something that audiences can relate to. It is probably why Barnum – The Circus Musical is so successful. If you need some colour and vibrancy bringing back into your life then ‘Roll Up, Roll Up’ to see this entertaining and exuberant production.
The show is on now at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, until Saturday 4 April, and then on tour around the UK. The other Yorkshire dates are the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield from 28 April-2 May and New Theatre, Hull from 2-6 June 2026.
Check the show details for tickets and suitability for those sensitive to noise. The show depicts racism, slavery and exploitation of human and animal performers in a historic context.
Accessibility: The Alhambra has six wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets and an accessible entrance on Great Horton Road. Captioned, signed and audio described performances are available for certain shows; infrared audio headsets are available to allow volume control anywhere within the auditorium.
