Barnum at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford Review
Barnum
Alhambra, Bradford
25-29 November 2014
Reviewed by Rachel Legg
I had the absolute pleasure of being able to see Barnum at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford last night. I may be a philistine but I didn’t know anything about this musical prior to attending the performance so had absolutely no expectations or pre-conceptions however I went prepared to be entertained purely on the reputation of Cameron Mackintosh. What I didn’t expect was to be blown away from the minute I sat down in my seat.
Prior to the show starting members of the cast were performing acrobatic and juggling acts around the seats engaging with the audience and really setting the scene and atmosphere. For those that don’t know, the musical is based around the life of Phineas T Barnum, the American showman from the 1800’s, it follows his life from early sideshows through his acquisition of the American museum to a career in politics and eventually ending up in the circus.
Threaded throughout the plot is Barnum’s relationship with his wife and it’s a love story at heart. The cast is superlative, Brian Conley brings P T Barnum to life, though how he manages to remember some of the lyrics to songs I’ll never know! He portrays inexhaustible exuberance and yet a touching depth of emotion as well. Linzi Hateley is brilliant as Chairy Barnum, again portraying a depth and range of feelings with real skill, she also has a beautiful voice. The ensemble are fantastic they are acrobats, circus performers, dancers, gymnasts etc… their skills seem endless, they support the main cast but also steal the show at times.
All in all this was a spectacular, fun, riotous fantastic show with brilliant music, amazing cast and brilliant costumes and set and I would utterly recommend it, indeed I will be seeking this out to see again.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £21 to £47 (plus £1.50 online booking fee).
Barnum is at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford until 29 November 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01274 432000.
The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1AJ | Box Office 01274 432000
