Barnum at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
Barnum
Milton Keynes Theatre
12-16 May 2015
www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Reviewed by Rachael Osborne
I knew very little about the story of Barnum except that it has something to do with the circus. We went to the Milton Keynes Theatre last night to see the show. There was ample pay and display parking nearby, and after 6pm parking where we were (next to John Lewis) was free. As we approached the theatre we could hear circus music coming from the venue. As we came through the doors we could see a popcorn stand and other food stalls like you would have at a circus. The ambience was fabulous and there was an excited circus feeling in the air. The theatre was clean, welcoming and had a wonderful ambience. We were met at the door and warmly welcomed by the staff. All the staff that we interacted with were very helpful and polite. The toilets were lovely and clean and easy to find, with very few queues.
Barnum is the life story of Phineas Taylor Barnum, known as PT Barnum. It was inspired by Barnum’s 1869 autobiography Struggles and Triumphs. We follow Barnum and his wife Chairy through their hopes, dreams and struggles. And it shows how Barnum puts together the Greatest Show on Earth. The theme of the show is follow your bliss and your dreams will come true.
As we took our seats in the beautiful auditorium, members of the cast came out to entertain us with various circus skills. There were jugglers, who encouraged audience participation and got several members of the audience attempting to juggle. There were acrobats who walked along the backs of the seats, and entertained us with hoop tricks. One of them walked down the stairs on his hands. We all loved it and it created a circus feel from the outset. The set was beautifully designed and the cast members changed the set as required whilst doing acrobatics.
The performance began and from the outset we were completely enchanted with what was happening on stage. Brian Conley was captivating as Barnum and held the audience’s attention with very little visible effort. He interacted with several members of the audience and his sleight of hand tricks where simply astounding. I must admit to holding my breath when he walked the tightrope! Performing opposite him was Linzi Hateley as Chairy Barnum. They were wonderful together. Their duets were powerful and sounded wonderful.
The musical numbers were energetic and fabulously choreographed. The acrobatic skills of the cast were amazing and there were many wow moments. We all got caught up in the action on stage and felt Barnum’s joy and pain. It was perfectly cast, and in particular I loved watching Tom Thumb (Mikey Jay-Heath) perform. His dance routine was fantastic and I loved the way they made him look small. How the Queen’s guards danced on stilts I don’t know!! Another part that particularly stands out is the world’s oldest lady Joice Heth (Landi Oshinowo). The whole scene with her was hilarious with perfect comic timing. Her facial expressions really brought the character to life! This is the perfect family show it was quite simply WOW! My children would have loved to see it!
If you get the opportunity to see it you must! It is quite simply the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £12.50 to £49.50 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Barnum is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 16 May 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8717652.
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ
