By Mim Williams
The long-awaited new production of Barnum – The Circus Musical arrived in spectacular fashion at York’s Grand Opera House last night, to a sold-out house!
From the moment the curtain rose, the York audience was treated to an extraordinary display of talent, with a talented cast showcasing an impressive combination of musical, vocal, and acrobatic skills, playing over 150 instruments in total! The variety of circus artistry on display here was truly breathtaking, from high-wire and fire-eating stunts to aerial hoops and silk performances – the level of ability on stage is nothing short of remarkable!
At the centre of it all is the ‘greatest showman’ P. T. Barnum, played by star of stage and screen Lee Mead, who convincingly commanded the stage as the charismatic ringmaster. Mead effortlessly steps into Barnum’s shoes, seamlessly moving between singing, dancing, and even tightrope walking! His natural charm and commanding presence are essential to the role of Barnum, and he delivered them in abundance on the opening night in York.
Barnum – The Circus Musical tells the legendary story of the ambitious 19th-century American showman, who was famously determined to build the most spectacular circus the world had ever seen. Along the way, Barnum masterfully crafts sensational stories around his attractions, including General Tom Thumb and the supposed 160-year-old woman, blurring the line between fact and fiction to captivate audiences with tales of extraordinary human wonders. However, Barnum’s relentless pursuit of fame and success places immense strain on his marriage – his devoted wife, Charity, remains steadfast and supportive, striving to steady his ambitions with grounding encouragement. Charity’s symbolic two-headed coin becomes a recurring motif as she navigates the difficult choices created by her husband’s ambition. Ultimately, Barnum must face the enduring dilemma of whether to prioritise his stardom or his family…
Oti Mabuse and Matt Nicholson’s wondrous choreography was a true highlight for me, with vibrant and energetic routines injecting life into each and every scene. The circus elements of the show, spectacularly staged by Circus Director Amy Panter, were seamlessly woven into the narrative, elevating the production into a well-rounded theatrical spectacle. Visually, the show is simply stunning, with intricate set design accurately evoking an early 1900s American circus, complete with detailed costumes.
At times, I found the storyline to be slightly unclear, especially when addressing the loss of Charity and Barnum’s relationship with opera singer Jenny Lind, but these moments did not detract from the overall experience – this show brought the magic of the circus to life, before my very eyes! While many viewers may compare the musical to The Greatest Showman movie, I can’t offer that comparison, as I’ve yet to see the film, although after this spectacular performance, it’s certainly on my watch list…
Overall, if you’re looking for an evening packed with authentic circus spectacle, beautiful music, and jaw-dropping acrobatics, Barnum – The Circus Musical is a show that’s simply not to be missed!
Barnum – The Circus Musical runs at York Grand Opera House until 28 February. Visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/barnum/grand-opera-house-york/ to book your tickets! Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk/step-right-up-an-interview-with-lee-mead/ to read our interview with Lee Mead.
Add a comment