Barnum - MK Theatre
Barnum — Roll Up, Roll Up for a Celebration of Circus, Theatre and Musical Storytelling.
Barnum has a fascinating history, having become one of the most distinctive musicals to celebrate the extraordinary life and ambitions of showman P. T. Barnum. This latest production embraces that history while giving the story a fresh and engaging identity of its own, creating a production that feels both traditional and refreshingly original.
The current touring production successfully captures the spirit of Barnum's world, telling its story through a lively combination of musical theatre, circus, songs and spectacle. What makes this production particularly enjoyable is its originality and the clever way it brings traditional circus skills together with traditional live theatre. Rather than simply using circus as decoration, the skills become an important part of the storytelling, giving the production an energy and sense of danger that conventional musical theatre rarely achieves.
Another real strength is the live music. A wide range of live instruments is used throughout the show, adding warmth, character and an exciting sense of spontaneity to the musical numbers. The musicians are very much part of the theatrical experience, helping to create the atmosphere of a travelling show and reinforcing the production's authentic theatrical spirit.
One of the production's most memorable achievements is the remarkable life-size elephant brought to the stage. Puppet designers Meryn Millar and Tracey Waller, together with Director Helen Foan, deserve enormous praise for creating an elephant that feels remarkably believable and alive. It is a wonderful example of theatrical imagination, craftsmanship and performance coming together to create something genuinely magical on stage.
The live circus skills are another highlight. Performed directly in front of the audience, they can take your breath away at times, bringing a real sense of excitement and anticipation to the performance. There is something particularly special about seeing these skills performed live, where the audience can appreciate both the talent involved and the element of genuine risk.
The entire cast deserves praise for their professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment. They work together to create a production that is energetic, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable, maintaining the spirit of the show from beginning to end.
Overall, Barnum provides a lovely evening of traditional musical theatre, while adding the excitement, skill and spectacle of live circus. It is a warm, entertaining and imaginative production that celebrates the magic of the theatre and reminds us just how effective the combination of music, storytelling, live performance and theatrical illusion can be.
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