Lee Mead to star as P.T. Barnum in circus spectacular coming to Manchester in 2026

Friday, 27 June 2025 16:43

By David Murphy

The Broadway classic Barnum will take over the Manchester Palace Theatre next February, with West End favourite Lee Mead set to headline a brand new UK tour of the musical extravaganza.

Bill Kenwright Ltd has announced a major national tour of Barnum, which will visit Manchester from 10 to 14 February 2026, following its opening at Theatre Royal Windsor earlier that month. The production will also visit Cardiff and Birmingham as part of its initial tour schedule.

Best known for winning BBC’s Any Dream Will Do and starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wicked and Legally Blonde, Lee Mead will portray the legendary American showman P.T. Barnum. In a nod to the original West End production, Mead will also take on the challenge of walking a tightrope live on stage.

Jenny Seagrove, chairperson at Bill Kenwright Ltd, said: “I was captivated when I saw Barnum at the Watermill Theatre last year. Our spectacular new staging will feature an extraordinary ensemble of over 20 actor-musicians playing 150 instruments, acrobats and international circus acts, all led by the wonderful Lee Mead.”

Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle (The Last Five Years, Picture You Dead) and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse, this production has already been described as “dazzling” by The Observer in a five-star review of its Watermill Theatre run.

The musical celebrates the life and ambition of P.T. Barnum, chronicling his journey from street shows to circus empire with the support of his wife Charity. The show features timeless songs such as Come Follow the Band, Colours of My Life and Join the Circus, composed by Cy Coleman with lyrics by Michael Stewart and a book by Mark Bramble.

The creative team includes Lee Newby (Set and Costume Design), Jai Morjaria (Lighting), Tom Marshall (Sound), George Dyer (Musical Supervision), and Amy Panter (Circus Direction), with additional choreography by Matt Nicholson and sound design support from Nick Lodge.