Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 18th November 2023
Reviewed by Carol Crann
4****
Barnum is the story of “The Greatest Show on Earth” and its founder, the Prince of Humbug, Phineas Taylor Barnum. It is set in the middle of the 19th Century and shows the rise to fame of PT Barnum, impressively played by Mathew Walker and his much suffering but dedicated wife, Charity played by Gina Holmes whose voice is perfectly suited for the some of the well-known numbers in the show. It narrates his rise in fame exhibiting the weird and wonderful in his American Museum, taking on board the management of famous Swedish opera singer, Jenny Lind, played by Joanne Shearsby– whose operatic background is apparent as she belts out some powerful songs. To his near downfall as he reportedly gets into a romantic entanglement with the “Swedish Nightingale”, but then realises he still loves his wife and returns to her and a much more subdued life. This however doesn’t last long as Charity realises that he needs passion and excitement in his life.
Sheffield has long been known for its strong amateur dramatic presence, STOS being only one of the local societies, and this show certainly doesn’t disappoint. The cast not only have to concentrate on their singing and dancing but clearly have spent months learning and working on their circus talents. Everyone on the stage had learnt additional skills – tight rope walking, juggling, unicycle riding, tumbling and even using aerial hoops. The story is held together by the Ringmaster (Steve Mather) whose booming voice is ideal for the part, as are his whiskers.
Mathew Walker, however, deserves a special mention. His performance is brilliant throughout. He has an incredible stage presence, a great singing voice and delivers with boundless energy – he is on stage for virtually the whole show and his comic timing cannot fail to amuse. On top of all this he has learnt to juggle with various items, but even more impressively he demonstrated his ability to walk a tightrope and sing at the same time.
Altogether a most enjoyable show – definitely worth going to see