Barnum (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 14th October 2014
★★★★
Centring around the life of 'America’s Greatest Showman' P. T. Barnum as he puts together the world's first travelling circus, Barnum is the the most spectacular touring show I have seen all year.
Centring around the life of 'America’s Greatest Showman' P. T. Barnum as he puts together the world's first travelling circus, Barnum is the the most spectacular touring show I have seen all year.
This was my first time seeing Cy Coleman, Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble's musical, which is now under the direction of Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy. Barnum is a colourful extravaganza of a musical, before the show has even begun the cast bounce into the auditorium showcasing tremendous character and circus tricks. There are impressive acrobatics as well as cast members juggling over audience members' heads. The buzz in the air was joyous.
Choreographer Andrew Wright is unstoppable! The ensemble are ridiculously talented, bringing each and every musical number to life. I didn't know where to look as every inch of the stage was filled with such talent, Wright's choreography can not be faulted. Shockingly I didn't know the score at all, but found myself tapping my foot along. The big numbers are simple but catchy while the ballads were wonderful. My personal highlight was 'Black and White'.
