Barnum by Coventry Musical Theatre Society Review
Barnum production image. Photo by Simon Coates.
Written by Hollie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Coventry Musical Theatre Society bring their spectacular adaptation of Mark Bramble’s Barnum to Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre this week.
Walking into the foyer, you are met by acrobats and aerialists who show waiting audience members their interesting aerial and acrobatic skills. In the auditorium, more cast members get the audience ready for an evening of entertainment by juggling and plate spinning and performing other circus tricks to give you a flavour of the upcoming show.
With the popularity of Disney’s The Greatest Showman growing over the last few years, this production tells the story of P.T. Barnum, an American showman and businessman from the 1800s, who also features in the well-known film. The show opens with the live band playing their instruments on the stage, and the bright, colourful and visually appealing scenery mesmerises you as the circus top opens for business.
Circus artists, singers and dancers bring the stage to life with their clever and fun synchronised choreography and bundles of energy. Every song is performed with plenty of zest, and the whole ensemble provides lots of razzle-dazzle throughout the show.
Protagonist Barnum, played by Ian Page, states that you are going to see Barnum everywhere! He believes that he has lots to show the world with his company of animals and lots of promise. Ian plays Barnum impeccably well and he was made for the role. Many times throughout the evening, he can show his acting ability as well as other talents and tricks that he has been working on behind the scenes!
Throughout the production, his marital relationship with his wife, Charity Barnum, played by Amii Dyne is explored, as their relationship becomes strained at times due to Barnum’s impulsive decision making and dreams of a better life.
The duo made a fantastic collaboration on stage, and their duet ‘The Colours Of My Life’ was particularly spectacular.
Choreographer Sue Biddle and Head of Wardrobe Louise Redmond bring the glitter and sparkle to the show with powerful and energetic choreography as well as amazingly detailed costumes for the whole cast. I particularly enjoyed the use of the extensive range of props such as chairs, poles and scarves, which are used seamlessly as part of the dance routines and ensure that there is always something new appearing on stage for the audience to look at and be fascinated by.
The camaraderie and togetherness of the whole ensemble is particularly powerful and they come together as a family during the lively song ‘One Brick At A Time.’
There is so much to say about this particular production, as the quality of the whole production is absolutely superb. I was disappointed to see that the auditorium was not sold out, as the show is only on for a very limited run. I would have preferred to have seen the show on for a fortnight’s worth of performances as it is that good.
Has Barnum bitten off more than he can chew with a company of cataclysmic clowns? Is he able to bring a little red and gold to the entire country with his circus show? Is Barnum able to make a deal in London to ensure he has his one headline attraction which will bring the audience in?
Ladies and gentlemen, you will have to buy a ticket and visit the show yourself! Barnum continues at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre until Sunday 15th June 2025.
★★★★★
