★★★★★
Principals appearing on 28/4/26
Oliver Tompsett - P.T. Barnum
Samantha Barks - Charity Barnum
Katie Tonkinson - Anne Wheeler [alternate]
Ben Joyce - Phillip Carlyle
Vajèn Van Den Bosch - Jenny Lind
Malinda Parris - Lettie Lutz
Max Bispham - Young Barnum
Maya Sewrey - Young Charity / Caroline
Back in 2017 the surprise and unrivalled success of The Greatest Showman, a telling of the P.T. Barnum story, took movie bosses by surprise. It grossed $435 million worldwide and became a phenomenon of cinema and pop culture. With a collection of newly minted pop songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen) performed by the likes of Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams, the movie became an instant classic. Cut to nearly a decade later, and Disney Theatrical Productions chose to unveil its latest blockbuster at the massive 1,951 seat Bristol Hippodrome during the spring of this year. Naturally we couldn't resist a little road trip to the South West of the UK to witness the birth of this stage adaptation, which sold out its entire eight week run in a couple of hours.
The musical, like the movie, is loosely based on the story of Phineas Taylor Barnum. This is not a documentary and huge amounts of artistic licence are used to simplify the story for a new generation. For the unaware, a young dreamer in the 19th century (Barnum) courts Charity, daughter of the wealthy Hallett family. Despite his poverty, Charity falls for Phineas and they start a life and family together. When Barnum finds himself labouring in a run down theatre which then gets earmarked for demolition, he offers to buy it for $1. He then sets about opening a show in Manhatten utilising a bizarre collection of real life freaks and oddballs, such as Lettie Lutz - a Bearded Lady. This sets him on the path of fame and fortune, however when he decides to promote Swedish opera star Jenny Lind on tour, his instincts are derailed. Then when his theater burns down, Barnum turns again to the acts who brought him success, hires a big top and becomes the Barnum & Bailey Circus. He tours 'The Greatest Show On Earth' for decades around the US. He has become The Greatest Showman of the title.
Bringing such a well loved screen classic to the stage brings with it huge expectations, but Disney are well versed in bringing fantasy to the theatre, The Lion King has become the biggest grossing theatrical musical franchise ever. So if anyone can meet expectations it is Disney. Heading its creative team is director Casey Nicholaw, best known for the worldwide success of Spamalot, The Book Of Mormon and Mean Girls.
Disney have been highly protective of the world premiere season in Bristol which involves issuing audience members with stickers to cover their mobile phone cameras and refusing to have a press night. So sadly there are no production images to share on this occasion. But as Disney happily took our £95 each, we exercise our right to an opinion. But they shouldn't be worried by that, as for the most part the evening is sensational. A visual feast on every level, with both solo and ensemble numbers capable of stopping the show. In addition to the songs featured in the movie, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul have crafted five more songs to flesh out Barnum's world of the exotic. They are for the most part excellent additions which we are sure will become favourites when inevitably the cast album is released further down the line.
Oliver Tompsett (who we have seen being so brilliant in & Juliet and most recently A Knight's Tale) steps into the demanding role of Barnum. Naturally he has the dark spectre of Hugh Jackman's mercurial turn in the movie looking over his shoulder. He doesn't let it phase him though, and gives us a driven and charismatic Barnum who wins over the audience with ease. Samantha Barks is stoic in her portrayal of Charity, Barks 'Tightrope' solo is just beautifully executed in a choreographic coup de theatre. Ben Joyce (Carlyle) and Katie Tonkinson (Anne Wheeler) similarly display acrobatic grace during 'Rewrite The Stars' whilst Malinda Parris shakes the rafters of the Hippdrome during 'This Is Me' with her rage at Barnum's rejection of the oddball troupe as he courts high society. Dutch star Vajèn Van Den Bosch delivers such clarity and vocal power to 'Never Enough' that it literally stops the show. A moment of true beauty.
You will not find this review spoiling all the effects and surprises throughout the evening, the set design is simply stunning, as scene after scene is created to dazzling effect. The burning down of Barnum's theater? No problem. Everything about this production radiates class, from the incredible 14 piece orchestra to the shimmering lighting and shadow art that pervades the evening. It is perhaps the full company numbers that hit home the most, a stage full of dazzling talents showing vocal, dance and acrobatic skills which make this show such a knockout. The production has award winner written all over it.
And whilst there are a few creative beats that need tightening (the spectre of racism and extra marital affairs have been expunged from the stage narrative and thus don't give us the dramatic tension that certain scenes require) it is on the whole a glorious transfer of well loved cinematic material to the live stage. And more than that, it is not a slavish copy of the source material. The Greatest Showman - The Musical is its own beast, adapting and expanding already familiar concepts to better suit the stage. There is no doubt that when this show reaches London and New York, a new theatrical hot ticket will ensue.
Is it the greatest show? Judging by the amazing ovation given to the show at the performance we attended, very possibly, yes.
Rob & Ian
Further information on The Greatest Showman on stage can be found at the official website of the show.
Further listening:
With a cast album some way off, enjoy the original movie songs in all their pop glory.
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