Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 31st October 2026
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Barnum is, of course, a name familiar to us all. Many will know of him from his original fame and the stories still told. For some, through The Greatest Showman. For others, this musical. I knew little about any previous portrayal but was anticipating a fun musical evening.
Matt Rawle played our titular character, the one and only P.T. Barnum. His theatrical CV promised much and he didn’t disappoint. A very charismatic performance in which he engaged with the crowd wonderfully – though I do wonder if Karen in the front row will ever recover to buy a ticket so close to the stage again? Thoroughly enjoyable.
Before curtain up it was announced that understudy Emma Jane Morton was to play Charity Barnum. An impressive feat – as she was sensational. Her acting and singing were first class, she looked taylor made for the role and her on-stage rapport with Rawle was top drawer giving the lead couple a believable air. I am really looking forward to seeing her in, well, anything again!
“160 year old” Joice Heth, played by Dominique Planter, was the first revelation of the night with the a barnstorming “Thank God I’m Old” taking the paint off the back wall. Socks well and truly knocked off.
Stunning acrobatics throughout meant there was always something to see; even in your widest peripheral vision! It really is a show that doesn’t know the meaning of standing still – not surprising when the programme informs that the choreographer was Oti Mabuse. One could come for the entire run and see something different each time.
Ben Goffe as Gen Tom Thumb brought the house down with his solo spot “Bigger Isn’t Better”; with shades of The Greatest Showman “This Is Me” attitude to the fore. Loved it!
Penny Ashmore as Jenny Lind the Swedish Nightingale was another with an incredible voice! And a convincing Swedish accent (well, at least to my ears who only have Abba to really go on). She carried the sultry diva part with a convincing conviction.
Gorgeous costumes and big top style set were inevitable and duly provided by Set and Costume Designer Lee Newby. The ladies, in particular, looked stunning in those Victorian era dresses.
The ensemble were equally deserving in praise given the multitude of tasks they performed. Juggling, singing and dancing, being lobbed around like rag dolls and playing music live on stage – many of them being multi-instrumentalists. They couldn’t have given more. The programme points out that there were 150 instruments played, which I can believe.
With plenty of interest in the scintillating score from Cy Coleman (lyrics by Michael Stewart) this is a superb show that I’m sure even P.T. would approve of. It was loud, bright, colourful – kind of how I imagine diving into a swimming pool of Skittles and eating your way out feels. But there were also tender moments, especially between Mr and Mrs Barnum that gave shade to the garish floodlit plains and a welcome emotional depth.
Perhaps not “the greatest show on earth” but certainly deserving of my hearty praise and wholehearted recommendation. Roll up roll up (at the box office)…