Thursday 13 September 2018

REVIEW: Barnum - The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn.



Having missed out on 'The Greatest Showman' craze earlier this year and knowing nothing more of Barnum’s story than the former being derived from it, it was safe to say I was going in blind as I descended upon the Brindley Theatre yesterday evening, passing colourful bunting and skilled stilt walkers along the way, little did I know I was about to be transported into a colourful world of acrobats, jugglers and singing songbirds.

Set in 1800s America, the show follows the career of Phineas Taylor Barnum, America’s greatest showman, as he defends “the noble art of humbug” and hires numerous exciting acts including a Swedish Nightingale, the world’s “oldest” woman, and “General Tom Thumb”, a 45” high man, to perform in his museum and later on tour around the country.

P.T Barnum (Clayton Roberts), showed skill and charisma throughout as he sang about how “there is a sucker born every minute”, the audience swept along dumbfounded by the colourful array of clowns and performers which ensnared them. Sophia Thomson, playing Mrs Charity Barnum, perfectly danced the line between a caring wife and headstrong lady with added wit and laughs along the way.

Particular standouts included Mollie Neal as Joice Heth, the oldest woman in the world and supposed nanny to George Washington, who performed a chirpy and jazzy piano number about the virtues of being 160 along with amusing moments of dialogue between herself and Barnum as they ‘Humbug’ the crowd; also, Erin Smith as Jenny Lind brought the house down with her pitch-perfect classical voice in ‘Love Makes Such Fools of Us All’ captivating the audience as she humorously debated with Barnum in Swedish, refusing to speak English.

Principals aside, the ensemble shone each and every time they were on stage. Singing, dancing, juggling and tightrope walking their way through the show, it’s hard to believe these young performers had no prior circus training before 'Barnum' as they looked effortlessly confident and in high spirits from start to end. A particular favourite was ‘Come Follow the Band’, Act Two’s opening number with members of the cast stationed within the audience themselves as others danced a sharp, vibrant number on stage.

With a few minor hiccups along the way, all covered expertly by the cast, Codys Productions’ 'Barnum' was a circus spectacle with high energy, remarkable set and costume design and a strong cast whom I wish the very best for the remaining performances, it is certainly not to be missed. An all-round 5 star worthy show!

Reviewer - Neve Francis
on - 12/9/18

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