The circus has arrived this week at the King’s Theatre in Portsmouth. Set against the beautiful backdrop, the Circus looks like it is at home in the King’s Theatre and could easily have been made to measure exclusively for the venue.
Barnum The Circus Musical is about the life of P.T. Barnum is the famous American showman, businessman, and politician. Who is remembered for promoting celebrated hoaxes like the oldest woman in America who didn’t look a day over 25 in the Musical.
The lead performance in Barnum the Circus Musical is billed as Lee Mead. However, due to unforseen circumstances, his understudy stepped in on press night. Tom Sterling took to stage and immediately won the audience over.
Sterling played the role of Barnum with confidence and ease. Although I dare say he was incredibly nervous knowing that the eyes of the press were upon his every move. Performing alongside him in the role of Charity Barnum was Monique Young. Charity stood by Barnum and each of his schemes supporting him even when he made the situation difficult.
Eamon Cox plays the Ringmaster and narrator through the Musical, as the audience watches Barnum climb the heights in the entertainment and society world. Cox also delivers some circus tricks along with the rest of the circus performers.
What I absolutely loved about this production is the way that I have stuck to traditional circus acts. Picking up on the obscure and ignoring members of society. For example, General Tom Thumb, played by the extremely talented Fergus Rattigan Size, doesn’t matter when you have a large stage presence.
Choreographer Oti Mabuse and director Jonathan O’Boyle bring the beauty and wonder of the Circus to life. There’s no other gimmicks or tricks used beyond the hoaxes created by Barnum during his lifetime. A wonderful entertaining reminder of how the world of entertainment used to be.
A special mention has to go to Penny Ashmore in the role of the opera sensation of that time, Jenny Lind. Ashmore has a wonderful operatic voice and was met with rapturous applause after she sang.
For more information about Barnum The Circus Musical and some really good upcoming plays coming to King’s Theatre Portsmouth soon, please use the link below.
Five Stars.
Photo credit Pamela Raith.
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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