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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