The musical follows the life and ambition of P.T. Barnum, the legendary showman who transformed entertainment with his larger-than-life circus and his extraordinary ability to turn the unusual into the unforgettable.
At the heart of the story is Barnum's journey alongside his wife, Charity, as his relentless ambition, love of spectacle and desire for success begin to shape both his career and his personal life. It is a story of ambition, love, fame and the price that can come with always wanting the next big thing.
The Music, Direction & Choreography
With music by Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart and book by Mark Bramble, Barnum is packed with the kind of big, theatrical numbers you would expect from a musical about one of history's greatest showmen. This production is directed by Jonathan O'Boyle, with choreography by Oti Mabuse, and the combination of the two creates something incredibly energetic, visually striking and completely captivating.
And then there is the music. This isn't simply a cast singing alongside a band — the cast themselves perform the music throughout the show on more than 150 instruments. Yes, you read that correctly! The sheer amount of talent on that stage is quite something to take in.
The Cast
Matt Rawle takes on the role of P.T. Barnum and is, quite literally, the star of the show. He commands the stage with the confidence, charisma and showmanship you would expect from Barnum himself, taking us through the highs and lows of his extraordinary journey.
At the centre of it all is his relationship with his wife, Charity Barnum, played by Monique Young. Their story provides an important emotional thread running through the spectacle, grounding the larger-than-life world of Barnum in something much more personal.
But honestly, this entire cast is hugely talented — there is absolutely no doubt about that. They can sing, dance, act and play instruments, often seemingly all at once. You can't help but wonder whether this takes years and years of training or whether some people are simply blessed with the natural ability to be brilliant at everything!
And then there are the circus performers.
Just when you think the cast couldn't possibly add another skill to their already impressive CV, they become incredible circus performers too. Hoop, ribbons, juggling, somersaults and acrobatics are all thrown into the mix, often performed in a surprisingly small area of the stage. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted.
There is so much happening throughout this production that, at points, you genuinely don't know who to focus your attention on. Your eyes are constantly being drawn somewhere else, because there is always another performer, another piece of choreography, another musical moment or another circus skill happening right in front of you.
And I have to give a special mention to Penny Ashmore, who plays Jenny Lind. Her opera performance and voice are nothing short of sensational. There is a particular moment when she performs with a harp while the circus performers take to the ribbons in what is an incredibly daring and dangerous sequence. The whole auditorium seemed to fall silent. It was one of those moments where the hairs on your arms rise and you find yourself covered in goosebumps. Absolutely mesmerising.
A Little Circus Magic
And, of course, there is the elephant puppet.
I always find moments like this particularly special, and the elephant puppet in Barnum is simply brilliant. It adds another layer of magic to the production and is one of those moments that reminds you just how inventive theatre can be. Seeing something so beautifully brought to life on stage, right alongside the performers, music and circus skills, is genuinely wonderful.
The Verdict
Barnum The Circus Musical is a feast for the eyes and ears. It is colourful, energetic, wonderfully theatrical and absolutely packed with talent. There is so much happening that you could probably watch it several times and notice something different every time.
If you love showmen, circus, big musical numbers and theatre that throws absolutely everything at the audience, this is a show you really don't want to miss.
Barnum The Circus Musical is on at 
Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 12 September, and it is a must-see for anyone who loves all things showman and circus.
