The Watermill Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for Barnum, the venue’s spectacular summer musical, which plays from 2 July-8 September.

Featuring music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart, and a book by Mark Bramble, this production of Barnum will be directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, with choreography by Oti Mabuse, and will feature an ensemble cast of actor-musicians and circus performers. This sensational show will take over the Watermill site with the wonders and delights of Barnum’s circus.

Titular character P.T. Barnum will be played by Matt Rawle (Evita, West End), alongside Monique Young (Sondheim’s Old Friends, West End) as Charity Barnum, Penny Ashmore (Ride of the Valkyries, Die Walküre - Gala Concert, Royal Albert Hall) as Jenny Lind, Fergus Rattigan (The Sovereign, York Theatre Royal) as General Tom Thumb, Tania Mathurin (The Witches, National Theatre) as Joice Heth, Josh Barnett (Cruel Intentions, The Other Palace) as James Bailey, and Tom Sterling (The Third Man, Menier Chocolate Factory) as Edgar Templeton.

Returning to The Watermill Theatre are ensemble members Emma Jane Morton (Amelie, West End/UK tour) and Tom Sowinski (Romeo & Juliet, Reading Rep), alongside newcomers to The Watermill Theatre: Jessica Jolleys (Beautiful, UK tour), Charis Alexandra (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, West End), and Elena Bluck who is making her professional debut.

The cast is completed by onstage swings Kaine Hatukai (The Secret Love of Ophelia, Greenwich Theatre) and Laura Sillett (Footloose, West End/UK tour) and circus performers Kiera Brunton (Dancing in a Winter Wonderland, UK tour/West End), Emily Odunsi (Diamonds are Forever, Epsom Downs Racecourse), Dan Holland (Priscilla the Party, Here at Outernet), and Andre Rodrigues in his musical theatre professional debut.

Step right up and enter the dazzling world of P.T. Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds. Delight at every sight, wonder and miracle as the creator of spectacle comes to town with a sensational show featuring a whole host of characters.

Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum’s life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights. However, the irresistible pull of an ever-bigger humbug comes at a cost, and the people paying are usually those on whom Barnum tramples, on the way to the top.

Barnum has circus direction by Amy Panter, with musical supervision by George Dyer (who is reorchestrating the brilliant original score for the 18 strong cast of actor-musicians), set and costume design by Lee Newby, and lighting by Jai Morjaria.

Director Jonathan O’Boyle said: “I’m thrilled to be directing Barnum at the beautiful Watermill Theatre this summer and with this wonderful cast and creative team. Barnum is a magical show, full of thrills, music, dance and yes, circus performers. With a fresh new take on this classic story, we’re approaching the show through a modern lens and perspective, celebrating the rich diversity and heritage of the show’s characters. We can’t wait transform the theatre and the grounds of the Watermill and immerse the audience in the world of P.T. Barnum!”

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