Barnum
This is another wonderful summer musical from the team at The Watermill just outside Newbury. The cast is led by the charismatic and energetic Matt Rawle as PT – Phineas Taylor - Barnum. The entire cast is fantastic - for acting, singing, musicianship, dance, and in some instances, acrobatics. There are 18 performers on this tiny stage, and not a weak link amongst them.
Matt Rawle was brilliant as the great Showman. The tightrope walk at the end of the first half was excellently done and he and Monique Young as Charity Barnum had great chemistry. You really felt the love between them, and the partnership shone through.
Standouts for me, aside from Rawle, were Monique Young as Charity, Penny Ashmore as a brilliant Jenny Lind, Tania Mathutin as Joice Heth, and Josh Barnett as James Bailey/Ringmaster. The latter is pivotal, and he really drives the pace and performance throughout. The circus performers are all excellent, and I particularly noticed Kiera Brunton who did an exceptionally good job.
There is so much that is great about this production. It is astonishing how they make the most of every inch of the stage, and indeed the theatre and its gorgeous gardens.
The music is beautifully played by some really accomplished actor-musicians. I noted two pianos, numerous drums/percussion, various saxophones, trombone, trumpet, glockenspiel, xylophone, whistles, flutes, piccolo, double bass, euphonium and an electric guitar. Quite the collection!
The Gardens, bar and restaurant, are all themed, and it really helps build the anticipation of attending Barnum’s “Greatest Show on Earth”. We ate in the restaurant beforehand, and they have produced a lovely Circus themed/American menu, which was creative as well as delicious! The front of house staff and volunteers are also keen to get in on the circus theme, and are all dressed accordingly. They are always so friendly, and welcoming, and there are smiles a plenty!
Inside the theatre there is an explosion of energy and colour. The stage and its balcony, perfectly evoke the Circus ‘Big Top’, and that tiny space is used to maximum effect.
This production is an absolute joy!
There is not a weak link here from the design and lighting to the direction and acrobatics. It is beautiful and sounds fantastic. It is a perfect family summer show.
Barnum is written by Composer Cy Coleman, lyricist Michael Stewart and book writer Mark Bramble. Jonathan O’Boyle’s original and inspired direction ensures that the action zips along, and you get swept up in the magic of Barnum’s world, and Strictly legend Oti Mabuse's choreography is excellent. This is an unmissable production.
This show was reviewed on the 16th July 2024 at The Watermill Theatre where it runs until the 8th September 2024. Tickets available here: BARNUM (watermill.org.uk)
Review written by Ruth Hawkins
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Photo credit: Pamela Raith
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