Review: The Smallest Show on Earth (UK Tour) at the Wycombe Swan

The Smallest Show on Earth (UK Tour)
Wycombe Swan
Reviewed on Monday 19th October 2015
★★★

Based on the 1950s movie of the same name, The Smallest Show on Earth has been adapted for the stage by Paul Alexander and Thom Southerland, the latter of whom also directed the production. Featuring a glorious score by Irving Berlin, the piece provides a few hours of easy theatrical viewing.

Interview: Christina Bennington, starring in The Smallest Show on Earth

Christina Bennington is currently originating the role of Marlene Hardcastle in Thom Southerland’s stage production of The Smallest Show on Earth.

Based on the StudioCanal Peter Sellers/Margaret Rutherford film, The Smallest Show on Earth also stars Liza Goddard, Brian Capron, Haydn Oakley and Laura Pitt-Pulford.

The production, which contains some of Irving Berlin’s greatest songs, premieres tonight (25th September) at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester before visiting Coventry, High Wycombe, Glasgow, Plymouth, Crewe, Swansea and Malvern. 

Christina recently understudied Laurey in the UK touring production of Oklahoma. Her theatre credits also include: Marilyn/Sovereign in A Christmas Carol (Birmingham Repertory Theatre), Sharon in Finian's Rainbow (Union Theatre/Charing Cross Theatre), Hamlisch (St James Theatre) and Children of Eden (Prince of Wales Theatre). 

I recently spoke to Christina about the beauty of Irving Berlin, which co-star her mum is particularly excited about, learning the ropes of touring theatre and listening to the Jesus Christ Superstar overture daily…

What did you think when you found out about the stage production of The Smallest Show on Earth?

I’ve always loved Irving Berlin’s music – it’s so classy. I’d heard of the movie, quite a lot of my family knew about it. Then when I found out about the creative team I was instantly drawn to the show.

Rehearsal Pics: The Smallest Show on Earth starring Laura Pitt-Pulford & Haydn Oakley

Rehearsal images have been released for new musical comedy The Smallest Show on Earth which is based on the StudioCanal Peter Sellers/Margaret Rutherford film. Check out the images below (click picture to enlarge). 

The Smallest Show on Earth will tour the UK, opening on 25th September 2015 at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester, before playing Coventry, High Wycombe, Glasgow, Plymouth, Crewe, Swansea and Malvern. The stage show, which has a book by Thom Southerland (who is also directing the production) and Paul Alexander, contains some of Irving Berlin’s greatest songs. Choreography is by Lee Proud.

Liza Goddard, Brian Capron, Laura Pitt-Pulford & Haydn Oakley star in The Smallest Show On Earth UK Tour

A new musical comedy based on the StudioCanal Peter Sellers/Margaret Rutherford film The Smallest Show on Earth will launch a UK tour later this year.

The stage show, which has a book by Thom Southerland (who is also directing the production) and Paul Alexander, contains some of Irving Berlin’s greatest songs, including Blue Skies, Shakin’ the Blues Away, Let Yourself Go, Steppin’ Out with my Baby and How Deep is the Ocean, as well as some rediscovered gems.

Southerland said: “Berlin’s music provides the perfect accompaniment to our 1950s story, not only in lyric, but in style and period too.”

The UK tour of The Smallest Show on Earth will begin performances on 25th September at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester, before playing Coventry, High Wycombe, Glasgow, Plymouth, Crewe, Swansea and Malvern.