Brighton Theatre Royal Review: Barnum

Summary

Rating: ★★★★★
Running Dates: Tuesday 3rd March-Saturday 7th March
Where to see it: Brighton Theatre Royal
Duration: 2 hours 10minutes (incl. interval)

Review

Barnum tells the tale of legendary Phineas Taylor Barnum, better known as P.T Barnum (Lee Mead), and his wife Charity (Monique Young). A tale of dreaming, scheming, making miracles out of outcasts and ‘humbugging’ his way to greatness in the 19th century. 

Photography by Pamela Raith

Barnum’s life and career twist and turn, but his wife is at his side always, reminding him that “fate is always on my side”. Even when Charity is no longer around to console him, Barnum is assured that the circus needs him. 

The red, white, blue and gold stage sets us inside the Barnum circus, a Moulin-Rouge style extravaganza. The fun-filled circus packed an incredible 150 instruments, ranging from cellos to tubas, and a multitalented cast of singers, musicians, dancers, acrobats, and circus actors. 

The circus performance was filled with fire dancing, seesaw backflips, magic tricks turning white roses to red, and an impressively realistic elephant structure which added dimension to the circus theme. The confetti blast honed into the over-the-top nature of the performance, which received a well deserved standing ovation.

Photography by Pamela Raith

Jenny Lind (Penny Ashmore) showed her multifaceted nature as she sang opera in a white gown, played the harp in ruby red dress, and ended the night in pointe shoes to dance ballet.

If you enjoy the thrill and fun of a circus, this show is a must-see for all ages, filled with a compelling plot, a plethora of musical numbers and tantalising flips and turns.

Stand Out Moment: 

When circus performer (Emily Odunsi) holds a backbend on her forearms, shooting a bow and arrow held by her feet and hitting the centre of a canvas heart.

Best musical number: 

The performance of Black and White, where Blues singer (Dominique Planter) stole the show in her grayscale Miss America outfit. The elongated version of this number moved the story along and showed Mr Barnum running for Mayor and later President.

Written by Isabel Meszaros

Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review.