Barnum is a musical spectacular that delights, excites and entertains.

With West End & TV star Lee Mead excelling in the title role as the 19th-century showman Phineas Taylor Barnum, the production artfully combines elements of traditional musical theatre with the spectacle of the circus, in the process portraying Barnum as a charismatic dreamer who overcomes adversity with the steadfast support of his wife, Charity.

Following him from his days as a circus entertainer and businessman to his entry into US politics, the story hints at, but generally glosses over, his less favourable attributes, including his willingness to deceive, which Barnum himself refers to as ‘humbug’.

The original Broadway production opened in 1980. The show then memorably debuted in the West End - with Michael Crawford in the title role - a year later. There have since been several large-scale revivals.

Now, following a critically acclaimed staging at the Watermill Theatre in 2024, director Jonathan O’Boyle’s vibrant new version of this high-energy, fast-paced, lavish show is out on tour and has plenty to recommend it. This includes multi-talented actor-musicians, acrobats, aerial acts, fire-eaters, contortionists, tumblers and jugglers. Rousing songs, a magnificent bell-tent circus set and fabulous puppeteers - who bring a full-sized elephant to life - further enhance the production. The 21-strong cast wear splendidly flamboyant costumes to help evoke a sense of magic on stage, while the choreography from Oti Mabuse (professional dancer, TV presenter, and judge on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and ITV’s Dancing On Ice) is both exciting and athletic.

As well as singing, dancing and acting, the cast play 150 musical instruments between them over the course of the show. There are times when there’s so much activity on stage, you literally don’t know where to look! Visually and physically, the production dazzles so brilliantly that its somewhat flimsy storyline can simply be overlooked.

Lee Mead is excellent as Barnum. Vocally assured, his rendition of Come Follow The Band - performed alongside the ensemble - is especially rousing, and his newly acquired circus skills are executed to perfection. It’s truly thrilling to watch him walk the tightrope without safety net or harness.

Monique Young, who plays Barnum’s wife, is also a talented singer and dancer. She has a great command of the stage, and creates a believable connection and chemistry with Mead. Their rendition of The Colours Of My Life - complete with delightful harmonies, and beautifully emphasising the differences in their personalities - is one of the show’s many highlights.

Penny Ashmore takes the role of opera singer Jenny Lind and displays both an awesome voice and enviable harp playing skills. Love Makes Such Fools Of Us poignantly refers to the extra-marital affair Barnum is having with her.

The versatility of every cast member is outstanding. Their ability to play multiple instruments and perform a variety of complex circus tricks while singing and dancing with passion and energy is a joy to behold from start to finish.

PT Barnum was described as The World’s Greatest Showman, and this dazzling theatrical extravaganza ably supports that claim. Grab a ticket. You won’t be disappointed.

Five stars

Barnum was reviewed by Sue Hull on Tuesday 21 April at Birmingham Hippodrome, where it shows until Saturday 25 April. It returns to the region at Malvern Festival Theatre from Tuesday 27 until Saturday 31 October