Reviewed by Sophie Rowley

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mark Bramble’s tale of Barnum is a story told many times, and the musical is no stranger to the theatrical world. The show centers around Bramble’s hero P.T. Barnum a man who spent his life wanting to be “The Greatest Showman”. Set on the backdrop of 19^th century America, Barnum rises from small town boy to spectacle creator who brings the unimaginable to life. The musical is a spellbinding fusion of theatre and circus and even to this day there has never really been another show to rival it since its Broadway opening in 1980.

Now in 2026 Barnum is back up north, ready to captivate audiences yet again with Lee Mead donning the red coat and top hat and bringing the Circus to Manchester’s Palace Theatre. The Northwest is once again be treated to an array of talent – music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart, the show is again directed by Jonathan O’Boyle and choreographed by strictly royalty Oti Mabuse. O’Boyle and Mabuse teaming up once again after their success at the Watermill Theatre in 2025. This on top of an impressive creative team of costume designers, set designers and lighting teams all adds to the anticipation of this touring production.

Aficionados of a circus production know to expect the unexpected – back in 1981 Michael Crawford wowed audiences with his performance on the London Palladium stage – will Lee Mead give the Mancunian spectators the same feeling? The answer is yes. As soon as the curtain lifted to reveal the famous Big Top, the vibrant colours of the staging exude energy, and blend perfectly with the costumes for the 20 strong cast members who seemingly stop for breath through the entire show.

Lee Mead has very big shoes to fill, P. T. Barnum is a role with a lot of heritage behind it, many legends have played him on stage and screen. After seeing this production, it is no wonder Mead was selected to join these historical showmen. Mead commands the stage from the second he steps from behind the curtain. Styled in the 19^th century waistcoat, Mead rolls up his sleeves and opens his arms to the audience. You sense Barnum’s desperation and yearning to be greater than his is – wanting to be spectacular and never getting there, a feeling that I’m sure resonates with many sitting here tonight. In an age where image and success is measured by tangible things rather than just being happy this is where Barnum comes into its own. Barnum’s constant drive to be more than he is in the 1800’s is still a yearning for a 2026 audience.

This yearning and desire takes a toll on his marriage to Charity Barnum played to perfection by Monique Young who brings a delicate elegance to the role. You see her quiet frustrations build up the closer Barnum gets to achieving his dream. Charity quietly accepts the back seat to give her husband a chance to grow but she does not suffer fools lightly and then you see her fire and strength when she eventually reaches her limit. Young embodies this role and she is a perfect example of how strong women really were in this time. Women were not encouraged to speak up and have an opinion, but Charity chooses her moments to speak up and show without her, Barnum is the poorest of men.

You see the immediate difference between the 2 heroines in the show. Please enter Jenny Lind – played by Penny Ashmore, whose opera styling has all the splendour and grace of a true star. Lind on the surface presents the perfect antithesis to Charity, Lind is confident, respected and adored by the world – she embodies what Barnum wants and represents all he desires to achieve. Scratch a little deeper however and there really isn’t a lot of difference between both women. Lind presents an image to the world that is not a true reflection of who she is – Ashmore presents this is a wonderful raw emotion that really breaks your heart. Both women are really just trying to survive in a mans world the best way they know how and both show Barnum how to really become the greatest showman.

In addition to strong women, Dominique Planter plays Joice Heath – “the oldest women in the world, as told by Barnum”. At 160 years old, she perfectly shows the extent to Barnum’s exaggeration. All set in the famous Big Top, Planter really does “take us to circus”. She has 2 stand out songs “Thank God I’m Old” and ‘Black and White’, where she plays a second role as a blues singer. Heath is one of Barnum’s museum oddities and Planter really shows us despite in a “world of humbug” Heath does not belong.

Alongside Heath is General Tom Thumb played wonderfully by Fergus Rattigan. Tom Thumb is another of Barnum’s curiosities and Fergus takes up the challenge with humour and charm. The “world’s smallest man” he towers above everyone in his performance and really proves “bigger isn’t always better”. Planter and Rattigan stand out in their own right however together both demonstrate Barnum’s gift for exaggeration was so easy to mystify audiences.

There is no doubt that Barnum the musical is one of the few shows where the sets and the ensemble rightly take centre stage and become characters on their own. Instruments are played on stage rather than staying in an orchestra pit. The staging is so colourful and vibrant, while the cast effortlessly swap and change roles, each embodying their character to make the show the spectacle it is. The soul of the show definitely hasn’t been lost over the years and the original circus theme is still strong. It’s a traditional show loved in its time and from the standing ovation received is clearly loved by audiences today.

Roll up Roll Up – get your tickets to the only circus in town – come and see Barnum’s wonders at Manchester Palace theatre 10^th Feb 2026 – 14^th Feb 2026 tickets available here.