Of spectacle and razzamatazz there was no shortage. For pure froth, noise and escapism this production scores high. But absent were suspense and drama, although some comedy dribbled through here and there. Spectacle, like chocolate cake when relentless and overloaded, loses its flavour. History presents contrasting portraits of P T Barnum, but none were explored regarding his complex, contradictory personality. As a celebration of the man’s chutzpah the two themes to the fore were Barnum’s relationship with his wife Charity, and the ‘theory’ of humbug or, ‘trimmings’. Charmingly executed but devoid of any jeopardy concerning Barnum’s tougher episodes.
All the cast gave it their everything, Matt Rawle (P T himself) and Monique Young (his wife, Charity) leading from the front, bringing a human touch to proceedings when in their own scenes, the supporting performers excellent in terms of some mesmerising acrobatics, musicianship and choreography (Oti Mabuse), but there was simply… so much of it. Penny Ashmore (Jenny Lind) nearly stopped the show with her ‘Obbligato’ (following the genuinely funny scene where Barnum exhorts her to learn some English) but the potentially moving rendition of ‘Love Makes Such Fools Of Us All’ (showcasing Ashmore’s skills on the Harp) suffered from the distractions of trapeze activity above her head. Impressive to behold but detracting from the poignancy of the moment.
There appeared to be no expense spared with the arrival onstage of the huge elephant, but it came… shuffled about a bit… and went away. A rushed moment representing the entire show, another jaw-dropping incident provoking gasps of wonder and exclamation but nothing to exercise one’s cerebral faculties. The story of P T Barnum is a very American one, a vehicle illustrating the ruthless, devil-may-care nature of the country’s early development, but with sobering reflections in current events. Though also, it must be acknowledged, one full of feel-good factor – and it would be churlish to deny that’s what this show has, in spades.
Reviewer: Roger Jacobs
Reviewed: 6th October 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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