Barnum at The Lowry Manchester Review
Barnum
The Lowry, Manchester
4-8 August 2015
Reviewed by Sophie Knight
Last night I was fortunate to have the opportunity of going to see the Cameron Mackintosh/Chichester Festival Theatre Production of Barnum starring the multi-talented Brian Conley as the irrepressible showman Phineas T. Barnum at the Lowry Theatre in Salford, Manchester.
We travelled by car, but the theatre is very accessible with bus and tram stops nearby. On arrival the helpful, friendly staff directed us to our seats and we settled down in the comfortable, modern theatre to watch the performance.
Playing to a packed full house, the show opened to rapturous applause from the excited audience. We had already been treated to jugglers, acrobats and circus entertainers interacting with the crowd, so we were enthusiastically looking forward to the show.
Barnum is a musical about the life of America’s Greatest Showman Phineas T. Barnum and the relationship between him and his wife and then teaming up with J.A. Bailey to create Barnum and Bailey’s Circus – the Greatest Show on Earth.
Brian Conley is spectacular and quickly formed a rapport with members of the audience. When he attempted on three occasions to walk a tightrope, we were really willing him to succeed and were so happy when he finally managed to do it with a little bit of assistance from the circus performers.
Award winning actress Linzi Hateley plays Barnum’s wife Chairy beautifully, but Conley is the one who really steals the show, singing, dancing, telling jokes and holding the audience in the palm of his hand. The energetic and versatile cast show off their amazing array of circus skills and keep the audience entertained throughout.
This is a real feel good show from start to finish, with Cy Coleman and Michael Stewart’s memorable songs including Come Follow the Band and There is a Sucker Born Every Minute.
This is real family entertainment and I would definitely go and see it again.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £28 to £50 (includes £2 booking fee).
Barnum is at The Lowry until 8 August 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
