Barnum – Watermill Theatre, Bagnor

Monique Young and Matt Rawle in Barnum at the Watermill Theatre, Bagnor. Picture: Pamela Raith Photography

Barnum continues at the Watermill Theatre, Bagnor until 8 September 2024.

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

So hands up who saw the original West End production of Cy Coleman, Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble’s Barnum at the London Palladium in the early 1980s? I can’t believe I am admitting to this but I did. Michael Crawford was outstanding as P.T. Barnum and 40 years later it says a lot about the longevity and appeal of the musical numbers that I could remember the songs and pre-empt the lyrics.

For those who familiar with Barnum – and I don’t mean the more recent blockbuster The Greatest Showman – this production is an absolutely divine trip down memory lane. For those who have only experienced Hugh Jackman’s personification of one of the greatest showmen of all time, it is equally charming.

The Watermill goes all out in this immersive show. The prologue takes place in the beautiful gardens which transform into a metaphorical circus ring with coconut shie and jugglers in a similar style to last year’s Lord of the Rings. The latter set an almost unachievable high benchmark against which to compete, but this year’s summer production has pushed the boundaries yet again. The Watermill continues to take on creative challenges and break the mould.

An 18-strong cast of actor-musicians whose skills now make them a triple threat as gymnasts and acrobats, joyously tell the story of Barnum and his unquestionable ability to fool people into parting with their money.

Matt Rawle is the loveable rogue himself and exquisitely captures that fine balance (no pun intended) of the museum curator/circus owner who shrewdly mastered the art of storytelling.

Monique Young embraces the steadfast loyalty of Mrs Charity Barnum, doggedly supporting her husband’s crazy plans while employing her own brand of trickery to control his destiny and Penny Ashmore’s high soprano is mesmerising in her portrayal of the Swedish nightingale, Jenny Lind.

As for Barnum’s ‘curiosities’, Fergus Rattigan plays a distinguished General Tom Thumb and Tania Mathurin is delightful as Joice Heth, allegedly the 160-year-old nurse to George Washington.

The show embodies the circus theme throughout. Musical numbers, expertly choreographed by Oti Mabuse, combine technical dance and gymnastic prowess and are intricately woven into the fabric of the production which is impeccably directed by Jonathan O’Boyle.

In the words of Phineas Taylor Barnum “there is a sucker born every minute” – don’t be a sucker, get tickets while you can and enjoy this exuberant revival at the Watermill.

Julie Watterston