BARNUM UK TOUR REVIEW [WOKING] **** | Robbie's Backstage Bants

This afternoon I had the pleasure of attending the UK tour of Barnum.

Barnum tells the true story of American showman P.T. Barnum and his wife, Charity Barnum. There are very few musicals like Barnum: The Circus Musical — it is packed full of circus tricks, larger-than-life characters and a whole lot of humbug.

We follow P.T. Barnum as he makes it big in the world of entertainment, starting with a mere museum of curiosities and, with the help of his wife Charity, ending as both a politician and a circus legend. His ambition is only matched by Charity throughout the show, and the pair work as a great team to achieve the unachievable. From the world’s oldest lady to the world’s smallest man, Barnum loves to suspend belief, and that is exactly what you want the theatre to do for you.

Barnum has a score by Cy Coleman that combines that exciting ‘circus’ feel with the classic musical theatre style that Coleman does so well in musicals such as Sweet Charity. Pairing with Coleman’s music is Michael Stewart’s lyrical genius, which is incredibly impressive, especially during songs such as the ‘Museum Song’. It is impossible not to walk away from Barnum humming the tunes or singing along. I can’t get ‘Join the Circus’ out of my head!

The Cast of Barnum UK Tour - Photo credit Pamela Raith

Jonathan O'Boyle directed this production of Barnum, which was first created at the Watermill Theatre. It is really intriguing seeing this show done with some impeccable circus acts, aerialists, jugglers and acrobats, as well as actor-musicians. The majority of the cast not only could sing, dance to Oti Mabuse’s fabulous choreography and act, they could play instruments too. Having the score played onstage by the cast just adds a whole new element of showmanship to a show that is already full of it. It really is quite a spectacle to watch them doing all of these disciplines in one go!

After being mind-blown by the incredible acts flying around the stage and doing various tricks, you are able to watch the stellar leading cast.

With bravado and strength, Lee Mead plays the titular role of Phineas Taylor Barnum. Mead knows how to lead a musical — he holds the audience in the palm of his hand. His characterisation of the confident and ambitious Barnum is perfect, and his vocal talent sails easily through the music, performing iconic numbers such as ‘Prince of Humbug’ and ‘Out There’. Lee is headlining the production and absolutely deserves that “name on the poster” moment with his outstanding performance in this classic musical.

Lee Mead (P.T Barnum) and Monique Young (Charity) - Barnum UK Tour - Photo credit Pamela Raith

Monique Young, playing Charity Barnum, was undeniably entrancing. I loved the strength and control Young brings to Charity, allowing her to take authority over P.T. Barnum on many occasions by suggesting a coin flip. I thought her vocals were stunning, and her beautiful performance of this strong female lead was a delight to watch and fitted well with Mead’s over-confident Phineas Taylor Barnum. What a wonderful onstage duo.

Swedish Nightingale Jenny Lind is played by Penny Ashmore. Ashmore is another standout for her pure operatic voice. As smooth as silk, Ashmore’s voice is truthfully spine-chillingly good, and the applause from the audience was proof of her insane talent.

Monique Young (Charity) and The Cast of Barnum UK Tour - Photo credit Pamela Raith

Entering a world of colour is easy with Lee Newby’s costume and set design. It allows grandeur and circus to meet and create something quite amazing. I love the proscenium leading into the big top-style set — it allowed us to see both aspects of Barnum’s life, the onstage and the offstage. This worked very well throughout the piece.

I did find that some of the show felt a little rushed and moments merged one into the next, which is great for continuity and flow, but made it hard to tell when one number ended and the next began. The book scenes become less and less frequent in Act 2, whereas they were much fuller in the first half of the show, and I found that whilst, for the most part, it was clear, sometimes the dialogue lacked clarity in diction. The show, like Barnum himself, is ambitious and a total spectacle that provides a great feel-good energy.

Overall, Barnum is a show full of courage, ambition and wonder, and this touring production is all of that and more. From dazzling circus acts to impressive cast performances, all whilst having the score played onstage by the cast, this is one to see that will lift your spirits and leave you whistling along after the show.

Barnum plays at the Woking Theatre until Saturday (23rd), with tickets available here. It then continues on the rest of its UK tour, with more information available here.

Please note that Lee Mead will not be performing as P.T. Barnum for the entire tour, and Matt Rawle will be taking over the role from August in Newcastle.

21st May 2025

Robbie Davies | Robbie’s Backstage Bants