Lee Mead leads a vibrant circus spectacle bursting with colour, confidence, and showmanship.
Based on the book by Mark Bramble, Barnum is an American musical that charts the extraordinary life of showman P. T. Barnum. The story follows his rise across America. Combining traditional musical theatre with the spectacle and flair of the circus, the production creates a world bursting with colour, confidence, and showmanship. After premiering on Broadway in 1980 then London’s West End in 1981 with Michael Crawford CBE (yes — the future Phantom himself), Barnum has continued to dazzle audiences for decades. Now playing in Brighton, this latest tour is performing to full houses — a sell‑out crowd on the opening night — proving the show’s enduring appeal. And for the avoidance of doubt: this is not Disney’s The Greatest Showman. While the two share a few familiar beats, Barnum stands firmly on its own, both stylistically and theatrically.
P. T. Barnum is played by Lee Mead, who shot to fame after winning the BBC talent show Any Dream Will Do and taking on the iconic role of Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This feels like a fantastic role for him — he brings warmth, charisma, and just the right amount of showmanship, truly excelling as Barnum. I was genuinely gutted that we didn’t get to see Mead walk the tightrope. Due to a recent injury, he wasn’t able to perform the stunt, which is a real shame considering I’d read beforehand that he’d spent months mastering the skill. The good news is that he’s expected to return to it in the next few days, so if you’re lucky, you might catch the full spectacle. That said, it didn’t take anything away from his performance; he carried the show with confidence and charm regardless.
The set and costume design by Lee Newby was fantastic — from the moment the curtain rose, I genuinely felt as though I’d stepped straight into a real circus. The bold reds, classic stripes, glowing bulbs, and playful vintage detailing created a world that was both theatrical and immersive. It had that perfect balance of authenticity and showbiz sparkle. Adding to that spectacle was the outstanding choreography by two‑time Strictly Come Dancing winner Oti Mabuse. Her routines were sharp, dynamic, and full of energy, bringing the circus spirit to life through movement as much as through design.
I’m a complete sucker for anything circus-themed, so I absolutely loved the circus elements and acrobatics woven throughout the show. There were a few heart‑in‑mouth moments, but the cast pulled them off brilliantly (juggling mishaps aside — which, honestly, just added to the charm). For me, the balance between music, story, and circus spectacle was spot‑on; nothing ever overstayed its welcome. While I wouldn’t say the score has any particularly standout numbers, I really enjoyed Penny Ashmore’s performances as Jenny Lind — her songs were delivered with such clarity, warmth, and poise that they became unexpected highlights.
Barnum is at Theatre Royal Brighton until Saturday 7th March. Performances are at 7:30pm, with matinees at 2:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday — so roll up, roll up, and catch this spectacle while you still can.
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