Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular Review
Reviewed by Annie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
The Greatest Showman first took the world by storm on the big screen in 2017, and now fans can revel in the magic first hand at the brand new Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular. Having recently opened at the Empress Museum, the immersive show is here to transport audiences into the magical world of the circus.
London is seeing more and more immersive shows pop-up in off West End venues, proving they’re no doubt hugely popular and successful, so I had little reservations surrounding the success of this show. With its already well-established fanbase, the incredible team behind the production (led by Simon Hammerstein, founder of The Box nightclubs ) and the magic it had to offer, it seems the only question was ‘why has it taken so long to arrive?’.
It’s fair to say however that this show was well worth the wait. The marvel of the venue, its attention to detail and high energy performers, are a testament to the team and their efforts to make this the spectacle fans and audiences have been waiting for. Hammerstein was approached by the film’s producer in 2017 about making an immersive show, and is said to have pitched “a circus musical, a real marriage of the two forms”. The team then waited for the perfect venue to appear, and here we are in 2024 at The Empress Museum.
Having previously been the BBC Earth Experience, what started as an empty building, has been transformed into a mystical circus. Filled to the brim with all the usual tropes you’d hope to see on a visit to the circus; food stalls stuffed with hot dogs, candy floss and sweets, a bar with glistening cocktails, as well as numerous tents bursting with performers. Guests are able to walk through the space feeling like they’re at a circus ground. Visit a fortune teller, have a laugh with the clowns, or be dazzled by the acrobats jumping from heady heights.
Staff then escort you through to the main circus ring, a wonderfully set up space, ensuring there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Split into four zones, the space is wonderfully accessible and feels like you’ve stepped straight into a circus tent.
The show is the most perfect marriage of musical theatre and circus showmanship. The performers, a blend of Cirque du Soleil alumni, singers and muso-actors, ensures the show has something for everyone.
Now, I'm the first to admit that the circus for me sometimes isn’t my favourite sort of show to watch, but this blending of circus acts and musical theatre has created a show which has a storyline, pace and interest for all to enjoy.
Acrobats dazzle you whilst singers wonderfully perform the film’s electric score. Acrobats soar overhead to ‘Rewrite the Stars’, ‘Tightrope’ is beautifully harmonised whilst a tightrope artist tiptoes across the ring, to name but just a few out of this world numbers.
The ringmaster (Simon Bailey) leads the show from the very start with amazing energy, commanding the space whilst guiding Max (Aaylia Mai) on her journey to becoming the next generation’s ringmaster. This new storyline is a wonderful message for the show, proving that anything is possible. Matched with the magic of the film, this show is set to inspire any young audience member.
The acrobat performers are next level in terms of talent. Featuring all the tricks you’d hope to see in a show, but reimagined in an ‘old circus style’ way - the show feels as much of its era as much as it does modern - lending itself to potentially becoming a timeless production that could easily be lifted and lowered onto a new plot. I continuously found myself on the edge of my seat as they performed nail-biting stunts. I don’t think I've been that engaged with a show in a long time.
The gorgeous singers have been given the most delicious score to play with. Moving the music away from the film score, and into its own entity. Glorious four part harmonies, call and response renditions, and even some audience participation give the show that added level of individuality.
Come Alive will no doubt be a major success, both with fans of the film and theatregoers. It’s universally exciting so anyone of any age can come in and be swept away by the magic it has in store. It’s fair to say I've not stopped singing the songs since seeing the show, and cannot wait to plan my return visit!
Currently booking until 30 March 2025.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
