The Menier Chocolate Factory has unveiled plans for the first major London revival of Barnum 36 years after the classic American musical played the West End.
Opening on 5 December, with previews from 25 November, the production is due to run until 3 March 2018.
The story of P.T. Barnum, the 19th century travelling circus owner known as the ‘Greatest Showman on Earth’, the vibrant Tony Award-winning musical premiered on Broadway in 1980, a year ahead of its West End debut.
Barnum features music by Cy Coleman (Sweet Charity), with lyrics by Michael Stewart (Hello, Dolly!, 42nd Street) and book by Mark Bramble (the co-author of 42nd Street and director of the current revival).
Menier’s production will be directed by Gordon Greenberg who will head a creative team that includes choreographer Rebecca Howell, designer Paul Farnsworth and musical director Alex Parker.
Casting will be announced at a later date.
Tickets will go on sale to Menier supporters on 31 August, and will be available to the general public from 11 September.
The original 1980 Broadway production featured a career-defining and award-winning performance from former Carry On star Jim Dale who played the title role alongside Glenn Close as Barnum’s beloved wife Charity.
Michael Crawford also won acclaim and an Olivier Award when he first stepped into the central role when the show debuted in the West End. He would go on to play the role again on tour between 1984 and 1986.
Other productions include the 2013 Chichester Festival revival which featured Christopher Fitzgerald as Barnum, along with a touring version of the co-production with Cameron Mackintosh which opened in Leicester in September 2014 with Brian Conley in the leading role.
Angela Thomas
www.menierchocolatefactory.com
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