This isn’t a sponsored post.
BrumHour saw Barnum at the invite of Birmingham Hippodrome.
By Dave Massey
Barnum at Birmingham Hippodrome: Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”A full spectacle”
Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, Book by Mark Bramble, Lyrics by Michael Stewart, Music by Cy Coleman
The sights and sounds of the circus take over Birmingham Hippodrome this week as PT Barnum’s show rides into town. Set across many years of his life, this musical production shows many moments from his notorious history across the mid and late 19th century.
Lee Mead is fantastic as PT Barnum, all-singing, all-dancing and all rope walking! He leads this cast with assured skill! The circus performers are excellent, and their time and effort in their craft is on stage throughout. Monique Young‘s Charity puts up with a lot of nonsense until she takes ownership of it, and the switch in tone is great to see. Penny Ashmore’s vocals steal the show as “Swedish Nightingale” Jenny Lind.
I only really knew one song from this production beforehand, Come Follow the Band. There is a Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute, Black and White, and Bigger Isn’t Better are solid stand-out moments.
The set itself is a half-circus tent with the ornate front of a theatre auditorium surrounding it, multi-level and boxes included. The performers really make the most of the balconies. (The boxes look quite like the actual boxes at Birmingham Hippodrome, right down to the chandeliers.)
There are some minor plot holes in the story, as Barnum only appears to discover Jenny Lind doesn’t speak English after returning with her to the USA. But aside from this, the show is solid and passionate.
A full spectacle, Barnum is at Birmingham Hippodrome until 25th April 2026. Book tickets here: Birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/barnum
