If you love to watch an action packed show with bright colours, singing, dancing and acrobatics, then this is the show for you. Barnum is a full-blown spectacle that leans hard into showmanship as it tells the story of the bold unpredictable world of P. T. Barnum.
Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810 – 1891) was an American showman, businessman, and politician renowned for promoting hoaxes and founding the circus that became Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Some of you may have seen The Greatest Showman which portrays a romanticised figure, the real Barnum is known for building his fortune exploiting “human curiosities,” exhibiting, for example, Joice Heth as George Washington’s 160-year-old nurse. He was a master of telling lies (known as “humbug” throughout the show). A controversial figure who transformed American entertainment.
The show is recommended for those aged 8 and above, so I took my mature 10-year-old along with me and she was completely in awe the whole show. Sat completely still, watching the acrobats, singers and even a large puppet (her personal favourite). We also loved to see in the souvenier programme that Birmingham Hippodrome was originally an indoor circus too – it’s well worth picking up a copy and having a read.
Barnum showcases a life built on ambition and illusion with some questionable decisions along the way. At the centre of it all is Lee Mead playing the role of Barnum, who really does carry the show. Vocally strong and even able to partake in a particular circus act (no spoilers here). Mead brings a charm that keeps you firmly on side.
With actors, musicians, acrobats and circus performers, it often feels like you’ve stepped into a big top rather than a theatre. It’s busy, loud and at impressive – I imagine it mirrors Barnum’s world perfectly. And when you’re watching with kids, that constant movement and spectacle is a huge win.
Musically, the score by Cy Coleman ties everything together beautifully. Songs like “Come Follow the Band” and “Colours of My Life” bring moments of warmth and sincerity amid the spectacle. Penny Ashmore who plays the role of Swedish Soprano Jenny Lind (The Swedish Nightingale) has the most spectacular vocals, in particular during ‘Jenny Lind’s Obbligato’.
It’s big, bold, and brilliant. Fully deserving the huge standing ovation that it received this evening.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You can see the show at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 25 April 2026. Book here: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/barnum/
Disclaimer: This review was written after reviewing the press night performance.