Review: Barnum wows Manchester with circus flair and stage magic

Lee Mead shines as the master of spectacle in a fast-paced musical filled with daring tricks and old-fashioned showmanship.

Audiences at Manchester’s Palace Theatre were treated to an explosion of circus and song on Tuesday evening, 10 February, as the musical Barnum made a bold and colourful stop on its UK tour.

The show, based on the life of 19th-century showman P.T. Barnum, blends traditional musical theatre with the excitement of live circus acts. It’s a high-energy production that rarely pauses for breath and demands full attention from start to finish.

Leading the cast, Lee Mead brings real presence and control as Barnum himself. Whether delivering sharp dialogue, taking on acrobatic challenges, or commanding the spotlight in full voice, Mead carries the role with confidence. His tightrope walk across the stage, performed without a harness, drew audible gasps from the audience and summed up the show’s fearless style.

Monique Young gives a grounded and thoughtful performance as Charity Barnum, the woman who supports and challenges her husband’s ambitions. Their duet, The Colours of My Life, was a standout moment, with understated stage illusions adding a touch of theatrical charm.

The musical explores key events in Barnum’s life, from his early ventures in New York to his global success with the travelling circus, and introduces several real historical characters along the way. Penny Ashmore gives a poised turn as opera singer Jenny Lind, especially strong in her unaccompanied vocals. Dominique Planter is a crowd favourite as Joice Heth, while Fergus Rattigan as General Tom Thumb injects humour and agility in a number that makes clever use of the set and props.

Lee Mead (P.T Barnum) Barnum UK Tour - Photo credit Pamela Raith 

One of the show’s biggest strengths is its versatility. The cast double up as musicians, stepping in and out of the orchestra pit throughout the performance, often while remaining in character. They play a wide range of instruments live on stage, from brass to strings, which adds another layer of spectacle.

Choreography by Oti Mabuse balances classical musical theatre with circus movement and bursts of dance hall energy. Her routines work well with the show’s busy format, and there are moments of real contrast, such as during Black and White, where the shift in mood is marked with simple, stylised movement.

At times, the pace can feel overwhelming, especially during emotional shifts. Some major life events are covered in a matter of seconds, which can make it hard to process what’s just happened before the next big number begins.

If you like your musicals with energy, variety and spectacle, Barnum at the Palace Theatre ticks every box.

Get your tickets now at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/barnum/palace-theatre-manchester/