It’s not every day that a Circus Musical comes to town, but that’s the perfect way to describe Barnum, which will be showing at the Kings Theatre Portsmouth between the 10th and the 14th of March.
Barnum the musical is highly fictionalised, but is based on the true story of P. T. Barnum, a restless, big-idea dreamer who refuses to accept an ordinary life. It follows his journey from early failures to building a world-famous circus, driven by a belief that people will always turn up if you give them something bold to look at. His ambition repeatedly clashes with family life, particularly his relationship with his wife Charity, who keeps him anchored when his appetite for spectacle threatens to run away with him.
For those that don’t already know, the hit film The Greatest Showman was also inspired by the true story of Barnum. Different set of songs in the musical though, so don’t show up expecting This Is Me!
The one and only Lee Mead will be taking the lead role of P.T. Barnum, and he is backed up by a large cast of West End performers who will be singing and dancing their hearts out for your entertainment.
Oh, and Lee will be performing a death defying tightrope walk across the stage!
The Real Barnum vs the Musical
The real Barnum is widely accepted to have been not the nicest chap. It is believed he only cared about money, and exploited people with disabilities or unusual appearances to get it.
The musical, which was written in 1980 by Cy Coleman (music) and Michael Stewart (lyrics), portrays him as a much more loveable risk taker. Someone who celebrates people’s differences. In reality, he had questionable ethics.
The musical is a great watch though, and the songs have stood the test of time. The show has been mounted countless times since its first production, and it always goes down well.
Tickets can be bought for:
- Band A – £56.50
- Band B – £46.50
- Band C – £36.50
- Band D – £22.50
- Band E – £14.50
- Band F – £11.00
A signed performance will take place on Wednesday the 11th at 2:30, and there are discounts available for the first few shows in the run too. Evening shows begin at 7:30pm, and three matinees on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday all begin at 2:30pm.