New Wimbledon Theatre- until Saturday 3rd October 2026
Reviewed by Carly Burlinge
5*****
I went in expecting a fun, flashy night out, and Barnum delivered far more than that. This is a big, joyful, old-fashioned musical that wears its love of showmanship on its sleeve, and from the moment the curtain rises, it’s impossible not to get swept up in it. The show follows Phineas Taylor Barnum (Matt Rawle) the 19th-century showman behind Barnum’s circus, as he hustles his way from small-time curiosities to global fame. It’s a classic rags-to-riches story, but what makes it truly special is the way it never takes itself too seriously while still managing to land real emotional moments. The tone is buoyant, witty, and full of heart that keep things light even when Barnum’s personal life gets rocky.
The energy is relentless from start to finish. The circus framing means there’s always something happening – jugglers, acrobats, stilt-walkers, confetti – and it gives the whole show a carnival buzz that’s genuinely infectious. The cast throws themselves into everything with obvious joy, and the big ensemble numbers are the highlights of the night. They’re the kind of songs you’ll be humming on the way home, even if you can’t quite remember the words. The “Come Follow the Band” number is a showstopper that gets the audience clapping along, and it captures everything the show does best: spectacle, rhythm, and sheer delight in performance. Every single performer brings their A-game, and you can feel the joy radiating off the stage. It’s rare to see a cast this uniformly excellent, and it elevates the entire evening.
The score, written by Cy Coleman, is tuneful, catchy, and utterly delightful throughout. It swings between brassy circus marches, tender ballads, and witty character numbers, giving the cast a real range to play with. The music never aims for subtlety, but it doesn’t need to, it serves the story’s carnival spirit perfectly. The lyrics, by Michael Stewart, are clever, funny, and full of charm, matching the show’s cheeky, self-aware tone. There’s a knowingness to the writing that keeps the old-fashioned structure feeling fresh rather than dated; the show knows it’s a spectacle, and it leans into that with confidence rather than apology. The comedy lands beautifully, too, with plenty of jokes aimed squarely at the adults in the room, even as the visual dazzle keeps younger eyes busy. It’s a show that works on multiple levels, which is no small feat for something this bright and big. The songs stay with you long after the curtain falls, and that’s the mark of a truly great score.
The spectacle itself is a feast for the eyes. Bright colours, inventive staging, and clever use of circus skills throughout — the production design deserves enormous credit for keeping the wow factor high all night. The staging makes brilliant use of the circus theme, with performers doubling as acrobats and jugglers, and the transitions between scenes feel fluid, playful, and seamless rather than clunky. It’s the kind of production where every detail matters: the costumes sparkle, the lighting pops, and even the smallest moments are staged with care and precision. You get the sense that every element was designed to delight, and it succeeds on every level. Beneath the sequins, though, there’s a genuine, touching story about ambition, family, and the cost of chasing greatness. Barnum’s relationship with his wife Charity (Monique Young) grounds the show beautifully, and his eventual reckoning with what he’s built gives the ending real, earned emotional weight. It’s not heavy-handed, but it lands with surprising power. The second act finds room for quieter, more tender moments amid the chaos, and those scenes give the show a heart that balances its flash perfectly. The ending, without spoiling it, brings Barnum face-to-face with what truly matters, and it’s a genuinely affecting note to close on. For a show this loud, that quiet payoff is what lingers long after you leave the theatre.
Some shows are all spectacle and no soul; Barnum has both in abundance. It’s the rare musical that can make you laugh, tap your footand genuinely move you — often within the same scene. The balance between big circus fun and sincere storytelling is struck almost perfectly, and it’s that combination that makes the show feel so special. The pacing is tight, the jokes land, the songs soar, and the emotional beats hit harder than you’d ever expect from a show about a circus impresario. It’s a masterclass in entertainment: knowing exactly when to dazzle you with spectacle and when to quiet down and let the story breathe. By the time the finale arrives, the audience is fully invested, and the standing ovation feels not just deserved but inevitable.
Overall, Barnum is pure, unadulterated escapism- loud, colourful, funny, and full of heart. It’s the kind of show that reminds you exactly why live theatre is so magical. If you want a night of spectacle, songs, and sheer showmanship, you will have the time of your life. It earns a well-deserved five out of five stars: a joyful, dazzling, heartfelt triumph that has something for everyone. I cannot recommend it highly enough- come for the circus, stay for the heart, and you’ll leave smiling, humming the songs, and already planning your next visit.