The touring production of Barnum, currently playing at The Richmond Theatre this week lightly follows the career of Phineas Taylor Barnham charting his rise from humble beginnings to becoming the Greatest Showman and co-owner of Barnum and Baily Circus.

One of the show’s strongest strengths is its live music and outstanding musical arrangements by orchestrator and musical supervisor George Dyer. The multi-talented band, who also sings and dances, appears on stage as part of the show, rather than being hidden in a pit under the stage. We are told that there are 160 musical instruments played during the performance. From pianos to triangles, piccolos to saxophones, and others I could not identify, all found a corner on stage with some musicians playing more than one at a time. It is this vibrant carnival energy that carries the production forward.

The circus skills displayed on stage are equally impressive. The cast doesn’t just perform within typical musical ensemble expectations; with aerial artistry, juggling, fire breathing, acrobatics, while rarely pausing for breath

The choreography, by Oti Mabuse, is breathtaking in both pace and precision. The acrobatic dancers navigate the space and execute tightly choreographed routines with remarkable skill and infectious joy.

Laura Sillett stepped into the role of Ringmaster as the understudy for Eamonn Cox. Sillett handled the role impressively well, energetic and charismatic from the start, delivering the lines confidently maintaining the momentum.

Lee Mead takes on the title role and, vocally, delivers exactly what audiences would hope for: smooth, controlled and effortlessly powerful. In the first-act finale, there is a glimpse of genuine showman flair that fully captures Barnum’s larger-than-life personality, particularly in the iconic scene where he literally walks a tightrope towards his beloved Jenny Lind.

Monique Young’s Charity Barnum provides the grounding heart of the piece. Warm, resolute and vocally assured, she balances Barnum’s chaos with quiet strength although the chemistry between the pair never feels entirely convincing. Penny Ashmore’s Jenny Lind offers some of the evening’s most beautiful moments. Her scenes with Barnum carry a cheeky spark that helps anchor the narrative and provides comedic relief. Keep an eye on Ashmore in the finale dancing en pointe, singing and playing the Irish harp!

Dominique Planter, portraying Joice Heth, the “oldest woman in the world” and one of Barnum’s first humbugs, has a rich, dark-toned voice that is especially captivating in her blues number. She sings with remarkable depth, delivering a performance that is soulful, uplifting, and boldly expressive.

Some critics have noted that the production glosses over aspects of Barnum’s more controversial history in favour of spectacle. Unlike modern interpretations of showmanship, the real Barnum’s legacy includes the exploitation of both human and animal performers. Does that matter? Not particularly.  Not every show has to be a history lesson. Sit back and enjoy the spectacle.

Blending traditional musical theatre with authentic circus performance, Barnum is, at its best, energetic, chaotic, and packed with genuine talent. It is an exhilarating celebration of performance and showmanship that leaves a lasting impression.

Four Stars

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

Playing at Richmond Theatre 23rd June – 27th June 2026

For tickets and more information see link below

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/barnum/richmond-theatre/

Cast

Lee Mead as PT Barnum
Monique Young as Charity Barnum
Dominique Planter as Joyce Heth (and others)
Penny Ashmore as Jenny Lind (and others)
Fergus Rattigan as Tom Thumb (and others)
Elena Bluck as Mrs Maddison (and others)

Laura Sillett– Ringmaster (and others)
Jessica Jolleys – Mrs Mortimer (and others)
Kevin Oliver Jones – James Bailey (and others)
Emma Jane Morton – Mrs Stratton (and others)
Sophie Precious Muringu – Scudder (and others)
Tom Sowinski – Lymn (and others)
Tom Sterling – Mr Stratton (and others)

Circus Performers and Ensemble
James Gill, Gianpaolo Candelaria, Lennin Nelson-McCLure, Emily Odunsi, Andre Rodrigues, Ben Scott, Laura Sillett, Niki Tsonopoulou, Eamon Cox.