Review – Barnum, The Circus Musical – Congress Theatre, Eastbourne and National Tour

Roll up, roll up! The world of showbiz’s greatest showman is back on the road, bringing circus thrills, toe-tapping tunes and a hefty dose of theatrical razzle-dazzle. If you like your theatre packed with music, movement and performers with incredible talent, Barnum has plenty to offer. This touring production of the musical about legendary American showman P.T. Barnum is an energetic affair, celebrating ambition, spectacle and the business of making people believe in the extraordinary.

With direction by Jonathan O’Boyle and choreography by Strictly Come Dancing favourite Oti Mabuse, there is certainly no shortage of talent behind the scenes as well. The story follows Barnum’s rise from ambitious dreamer to celebrated circus impresario, with his devoted wife, Charity, attempting to keep their family life on an even keel as his appetite for fame grows. It is a promising mix of romance, ambition and showbusiness, although the narrative occasionally feels as though it is playing second fiddle to the spectacle.

Leading the production is Matt Rawle, who takes on the role of Barnum. Rawle brings plenty of energy and cheeky charm to the central role. He has the presence required of a ringmaster and clearly relishes Barnum’s larger-than-life personality. However, the relentless enthusiasm can sometimes leave the character feeling more like a collection of showman’s tricks than a fully explored human being.

Monique Young brings warmth to the role of Charity Barnum, providing some welcome emotional grounding amid the circus commotion. Penny Ashmore adds colour, and a superb operatic voice, as Swedish singing sensation Jenny Lind, while Dominique Planter makes a great impression as Joice Heth. Ben Goffe also contributes to the production’s colourful cast of characters as General Tom Thumb.

Yet the ensemble is arguably the production’s biggest talking point because this is no ordinary musical cast. Led by The Ringmaster (Eamonn Cox), the entire ensemble are actor-musicians, playing instruments while acting, singing and dancing, with over 20 performers contributing to a musical landscape involving a reported 150 instruments. It is an ambitious concept, and the sheer versatility on display deserves recognition.

The musicianship gives the show a distinctive character, with instruments becoming part of the action rather than remaining tucked away in an orchestra pit. There is plenty of skill involved in juggling the demands of performance and playing, and the company works hard to keep the musical numbers moving. At times, though, the busy staging and constant changes of focus can make the whole affair feel a little overstuffed.

Cy Coleman’s music, with lyrics by Michael Stewart, provides several enjoyable moments. Numbers such as “Join the Circus”, “Come Follow the Band” and “Colours of My Life” offer a mixture of rousing entertainment and quieter reflection. The score has its charms, although not every number makes the same lasting impression, and the emotional moments can struggle to compete with the production’s appetite for spectacle.

The circus acts are naturally a major attraction. Juggling, aerial acrobatics and theatrical flourishes bring bursts of excitement, while the staging captures the colourful atmosphere of a travelling show. But the main problem is that Barnum sometimes seems more interested in showing off its many talents than developing the story at its heart. The pace is lively, but the characters and relationships could do with more room to breathe. Less can occasionally be more.

This is a spirited production with an inventive actor-musician concept, a hardworking ensemble and some enjoyable musical moments. Matt Rawle makes an engaging leading man, but the storytelling can get lost in the hustle and bustle, leaving the show feeling more like a series of attractions than a fully satisfying musical.

There is plenty to admire under this big top, even if not every trick hits the mark.

***  Three Stars