Barnum The Circus Musical At Kings Theatre Portsmouth Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Jan Dixon
What a delight for the senses reviewing Barnum: The Circus Musical was! From the start a kaleidoscope of colourful costumes, dazzling lights, music, acrobatic performers and dancers greeted the excited audience – wow!
The cast were all exceptional with their professionalism and multiplicity of skills. Tom Sterling performed as the incredible nineteenth century American showman P T Barnum; as Lee Mead was unable to perform this role due to injury. Tom very much proved his worth, showcasing his acting skills, dancing and vocal talents; even demonstrating his prowess as a tightrope walker. Monique Young played Charity Barnum; Penny Ashmore was Jenny Lind; Fergus Rattigan was General Tom Thumb and Eamonn Cox relished his role as the Ringmaster. Other cast members included Dominque Planter, Elena Bluck, Jessica Jolleys, Kevin Oliver Jones, Emma Jane Morton and Tom Sowinski.
There was an ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians playing 150 instruments, acrobats and awe-inspiring circus acts; including a live fire eating performer and a wonderful giant elephant puppet. The latter was extraordinary, lumbering across the stage by puppeteers, really mimicking the movements of an actual elephant. The children in the audience were visibly excited by this act. Tickertape also rained down on the audience, thoroughly evoking memories of circus acts gone by. The scenery was excellent – evoking the mid nineteenth century circus stage.
The story line is based on a mid-nineteenth century ‘shyster’ who created a touring circus with unusual acts at a time when audiences wanted to be enhanced by extraordinary performances of human agility and musicianship. His long-suffering wife supported him throughout his journey to establish a viable circus which would entrance audiences, at times playing on their gullibility – with references to exhibitions of a mermaid and a whale.
The Director was Jonathan O’Boyle, aided by the Set and Costume Designer Lee Newby. The book was written by Mark Bramble, with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Michael Stewart. Many songs were familiar with the audience, including ‘There is a sucker born every minute’; ‘The colours of my life’; ‘Love makes fools of us all’ and ‘Join the circus’. Choreography was by Oti Mabuse, with Circus Instructors Sabrina Joshua and Iona Luvsandori providing excellent training for the acrobatic cast. Zippo Circus and the NCCA were circus consultants.
I reviewed the above at the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth on the opening night of 10th March 2026.
It runs between 10th March 2026 to 14th March 2026 inclusive at 19.30, with 14.30 matinee performances on 11th, 12th and 14th March 2026. Ticket prices start from £12.50 with concessions available.
The audience at the Kings were enthralled, excited and thoroughly captivated by the showmanship of the performance. Standing ovations at the end were very much deserved. I really would encourage everyone to come and be entertained by this circus spectacular – enjoy the razzmatazz and escapism of a circus age gone by; you won’t be disappointed! I can’t wait to tell my family and friends to come and see the show!
Rating: 5/5 stars.
Box Office: 023 9282 8282; Box.office@kingsportsmouth.co.uk
Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Portsmouth, Southsea, PO5 2QJ