This certainly is the circus musical, as the subtitle claims: all singing, all dancing, and circus performing galore: a feast for the eyes and ears, with adrenalin rushing acrobatics making you hold your breath. Everywhere you look there is something happening: ribbon work, hoop work, even summersaulting jumps with the aid of a seesaw – the acrobatics are precise and seriously impressive.
What’s the most curious and interesting about this is how fresh and new it is, and yet takes us back to old style Sunday afternoon television musicals at the same time. The revival here of bringing an old style classic to a modern audience, therefore giving them something they haven’t seen before – at the same time as reminding old audience members of musicals they watched growing up, is a heady and unique combination. The colour palette used is the same as the old films, which is a beautiful touch. Yet this also has a young vibrancy in delivery, unmistakably of now.
Similarly, Oti Mabuse’s choreography is both an homage to the authentic originality and youthful and vibrant of now. The sad clown dance, epitomising Mrs Barnum’s feelings, is one of beauty; and all the choreography often incorporating the acrobatics of the circus is stunning. The flexibility and control on show is amazing, and their precision in movement and obvious trust in each other is truly gorgeous to watch.
The talent on show in each and every single performer showcases such versatility, in the variety and comedy of all the musical instruments played, magic, dancing, circus acts, and of course: singing. The team work and support they give each other, the spacing: it all works beautifully. And of course this is a star vehicle for Lee Mead as the central character of Barnum in acting as well as singing: his voice is so delicious to hear live: such power, range and emotion, as well as magical tonal quality. Penny Ashmore’s operatic soprano vocals as Jenny Lind are a joy to hear; contrasting with clear vocal tones of Monique Young as Mrs Barnum and the bluesy tones of Dominique Planter: there is a full spectrum of delight on show.
Much like the old style musicals, this is big musical number heavy with songs you may know already, and even if you don’t, they seem familiar; with a big flourish finish. This style is not character driven multilayering, but that’s not why you go and see it: this is for the show, this is for the spectacle. A man chasing his dreams and making most of them come true with an almost childlike belief in a world where anything is possible with a bit of humbug or flimflam. Like a fun colourful ride at a theme park or a fair, it takes you on a glittering journey: and sometimes, that’s exactly what’s called for. Top entertainment, beautifully delivered.
Theatre Royal Brighton, 3 March 2026
Barnum runs until 7 Mar 2026
Photos credit: Pamela Raith
