Barnum at the New Victoria Theatre Woking Review
Barnum
New Victoria Theatre, Woking
20-24 January 2015
www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre
Reviewed by Christine Charlesworth
On Wednesday 21st January 2015 I went to see the Cameron Mackintosh/Chichester Festival Theatre Production of Barnum at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking. As I had never seen this show before, I arrived with an open mind, ready to be entertained, and entertained I was indeed.
The theatre foyers were packed, standing room only in the bar areas and we almost had to fight our way down the stairs to the entrance to the stalls. We joined the long queue filing through to take their seats and finally entered the auditorium, which was already steadily filling. Seating at the New Victoria is extremely comfortable with loads of leg space but, as there is no central isle, we constantly had to stand up to let others pass to get to their seats, which can be a little unsettling.
Barnum ‘The Greatest Showman on Earth’ is based on a true story about Phineas Taylor Barnum, who was also known as the’ Prince of Humbug’. This show, set between 1835 and 1880, tells his life story from when he bought and promoted ‘the oldest woman on earth’ until the creation of ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’.
Even before the curtain rises the audience is in for a treat with this production. Cheeky circus performers clamber amongst the audience, throwing juggling balls to any audience member who is willing to stand up and juggle, including one member of the audience up in the circle. Acrobats perform in the side isles, in the front isles and up in the boxes. The show had begun.
The curtains open to display a very pleasing set, designed by Scott Pask. It is on two levels, with the band on the upper, central level, framed by large lights and red plush curtains. At each side openwork iron structures, each with a spiral and straight staircase, lead up to a mezzanine and balcony. These structures were used to great effect as they were on wheels and enabled easy set changes. It also meant that members of the cast could drape themselves around the structures, adding colour and atmosphere to the production while the main action takes place in the central areas. Other scene changes were brought about by effortless arrangements of large blocks and the inclusion of a touring wagon with flap-down sides.
Brian Conley as Phineas T Barnum has a rapport with the audience as soon as he appears on stage and, although the way he sang his songs and some of his actions brought to mind Dick Van Dyke, I found this quite a pleasing similarity and it certainly worked well.
Linzi Hateley plays Chairy Barnum with excellent stage presence, superb singing and wonderful rapport with Barnum. Landi Oshinowo was great fun as Joice Heth and gave the audience a real treat as the Blues Singer. Mikey Jay-Heath played his part of Tom Thumb with great energy and enthusiasm.
Andrew Wright’s wonderful choreography ensured the whole show flowed, seamlessly, with the multi-talented ensemble showing their brilliant circus skills and flawless dance timing to best advantage. I particularly enjoyed the ‘black & white routine’. Lighting and costumes throughout were superb and the music was excellent.
Barnum is at Woking theatre until Saturday 24th January and continues on tour until July 2015 but, after seeing this production, I really hope that it gets a run in one of London’s West End Theatres.
This is a show with a feel-good factor where you leave with a smile on your face – see it if you can.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £10 to £47.50 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Barnum is at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking until 24 January 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7645.
New Victoria Theatre, The Ambassadors, Peacocks Centre, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6GQ
