Roll up, roll up, for the greatest show in town. Well, maybe not quite the greatest, but pretty darn good.
The in the round staging at the Menier is perfect, and means that you are so close to the action that you can literally feel the heat of the fire breathers’ fire on your face. I didn’t find the music memorable at all but, other than one number where the marching band were slightly too loud and drowned out the singing, I could hear and understand every single lyric - hurrah!
The ensemble numbers are fast and furious, requiring high amounts of energy, and include some breath-taking circus elements. It truly is a wonder that they don’t crash into the lights or get tangled in the light strings!
Marcus Brigstocke and Laura Pitt-Pullford have wonderful chemistry as Barnum and Chairy and, although Brigstocke’s voice is not the greatest, you forgive him that for the charisma and energy he brings to the role. My heart also went out to him during the tightrope walk just before the interval - I knew that it happened, but I didn’t realise that Barnum had to sing as he did it!!!! With three attempts, Brigstocke reverted to Plan B but, when it works, this will be a sensational end to the first act.
Celinde Schoenmaker is a perfect choice as Jenny Lind, as her voice is fantastic, although one of her scenes before a mirror seemed a little reminiscent of her being Christine in Phantom, but maybe that’s just because I know Phantom so well. Harry Francis was brilliant as Tom Thumb, being ‘small’, cheeky and charming, and his dancing was phenomenal. And Jumbo’s left leg continuing to dance on it’s own made me smile.
I didn’t really get the sense of time passing during the show, so was surprised to read in the programme that the action is supposed to take place over a 45 year period. Ultimately, this doesn’t matterthough, as for a few hours you are transfixed, suspend belief and have a thoroughly enjoyable time. So, not the greatest show in town, but one I would recommend seeing.