Hull New Theatre – until 6th June 2026
Reviewed By Dawn Bennett
5*****
Bill Kenwright Ltd presents The Watermill Theatre Production of Barnum the Circus Musical, with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart and based on the book by Mark Bramble
Lee Mead was a fabulous P.T. Barnum and truly made the role his own. His voice was excellent, and he delivered each song with real feeling.
Barnum The Musical tells the story of Phineas Taylor Barnum, from his early beginnings in the 1830s through to the 1880s and follows how he took his travelling company across America, bringing his shows to the masses.
His wife, Charity (Monique Young), wants him to settle into a factory job, but that would never suit him—showbusiness is in his blood.
As the story unfolds, we follow Barnum through his life and encounter some of the real-life figures who became part of his world and his shows, including General Tom Thumb (Fergus Rattigan) and the Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind (Penny Ashmore).
Under the musical direction of Kevin Oliver Jones, the actor-musicians were on stage for most of the performance and were superb throughout, playing more than 150 instruments between them.
The set and costumes, designed by Lee Newby, were stunning and vividly evoked the atmosphere of a bygone circus.
Few shows keep you quite so tense, whether on the edge of your seat, holding your breath, or glancing away at the most daring moments because the circus skills in this production are genuinely first class.
The performance features an impressive range of acts, from fire eaters, trapeze artists hoop and silk performers, acrobats and a tightrope walk.
With so much happening on stage at once, it is often hard to know where to look, which only adds to the excitement and spectacle.
The entire cast was superb and came together to deliver a fabulous performance.
This is another show at Hull New Theatre that should not be missed. I thoroughly enjoyed it.