It's rare nowadays to find a show to revive that hasn't really seen the light of day for a number of years. Barnum was last staged professionally almost a decade ago but this tour reminded everyone in the auditorium why the show is a modern-day classic.
For a generation, this show has been synonymous with showmen. Whether you saw Michael Crawford in the 80s, Paul Nicholas in the 90s or Brian Conley in 2014, Barnum's raison d'être is to bring the circus to town...and it did that tonight, and then some!
Barnum is based on the life of showman P. T. Barnum, covering the period from 1835 through 1880 in America and major cities of the world where Barnum took his performing companies. The production combines elements of traditional musical theatre with the spectacle of the circus, including jugglers, trapeze artists and clowns.
Alongside the glitz and glam, the emotional core of the story lies in Barnum's relationship with his wife, Charity, whose grounded morality balances his relentless ambition.
This production fully embraces the circus roots of the material. The set design is vibrant and the lighting adds a rich, almost magical glow to proceedings. Capturing the traditional signage and carnival atmosphere of a circus on a theatre stage is no mean feat - but one this production nails. It's an immersive world that feels part theatre, part big top and which draws the audience into Barnum’s imagination from the moment the curtain rises.
One of the standout elements is the sheer physicality of the show. The integration of acrobats and circus performers is seamless, bringing an energy and authenticity to the production. Complementing this is an extraordinary company of actor-musicians, who not only perform but play an astonishing array of instruments live, adding a real musicality to numbers like Come Follow the Band and Join the Circus.
Leading the show is Lee Mead as P.T. Barnum, delivering a charismatic and engaging performance. Mead captures Barnum’s charm and complexity - both dreamer and showman - with an effortless ease in a role that it feels like he was born to play.
Vocally strong and physically agile, Mead commands the stage and looks like he's having the best time from start to finish - he draws the audience into Barnum’s world with a magnetic presence that makes you root for him and want him to win.
Equally compelling is Monique Young as Charity. Her performance provides the emotional anchor of the show, bringing sincerity, strength, and warmth to the role. Young beautifully conveys Charity’s inner conflict - her love for Barnum alongside her discomfort with his methods - and her performance of The Colours of My Life alongside Mead was a standout moment in act 2.
That said, as with the circus itself this is truly an ensemble piece. Each person on stage is integral to the shows success and it's the melting pot of talent that makes Barnum what it is - a truly captivating, fun and, at times, emotional piece of theatre.
This production is full of heart. It balances showbiz flare with real emotion and storytelling, and delivers an evening that leaves you smiling long after the final curtain.
Barnum plays at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 25th April 2026. For more information or to get your tickets, visit birminghamhippodrome.com.
