The Watermill Theatre has recently been named “Theatre of The Year” at The Stage Awards 2024, sharing the title with the National Theatre, and it is easy to see why they have received this accolade. Their current production of Barnum, directed by Jonathan O’Boyle with choreography by Oti Mabuse, is a visual spectacle of circus, choreography and colour.

The remarkable story of Phineas Taylor Barnum was brought to the masses by the multi award winning 2017 film The Greatest Showman, but fans of musical theatre were already well aware of his life, works, and humbugs from the 1980 musical Barnum.

P.T. Barnum was a multifaceted individual, regarding himself as a “showman by profession”. He also dabbled in politics, publishing, writing and philanthropy, but his main goal was to make as much money as possible. The opening number of the show ‘There Is A Sucker Born Ev'ry Minute’ highlights his ruthless desire to sell his brand of “genuine malarkey”. Matt Rawle gives an exceptional performance in the title role, and is as engaging as you could hope a conman to be. Monique Young as his wife Charity Barnum plays perfectly opposite him, making a believable and charming couple who lead the ensemble in a high energy and visually compelling show.

The cast is comprised of 18 astoundingly talented actor-musicians, almost all of whom are quintuple threats. Not only can they act, sing and dance but they can play a wide variety of musical instruments and throw in a few circus tricks for good measure!

Cy Coleman’s musical numbers are in very able hands with this cast and under the direction of George Dyer. Stand out numbers include Jenny Lind (Penny Ashmore) singing ‘Love Makes Such Fools of Us All’, accompanying herself beautifully on the harp, and the opening number of the second act, ‘Come Follow the Band’.

Lee Newby is a newcomer to the intimate playing space at The Watermill and has turned the whole venue into a circus with delightful results. The theatre’s picturesque gardens boast circus attractions, the car park has a huge welcome sign and some themed concession stands are available for circus snacks such as popcorn and hotdogs. Inside the auditorium, we are drawn into a red and yellow circus tent, complete with festoon lighting, stage boxes and aerial rigging. Jai Morjaria’s lighting design works in harmony with Newby’s set and costume, bringing extra colour and depth to the musical numbers, and adding some genre appropriate followspots for the ringmaster and Barnum himself.

The cast and creative team behind Barnum have created a show that is a joy to be engulfed in, and have proven that despite their recent funding challenges, The Watermill is still one of the leading regional producing houses in the country.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Sarah Brown

Barnum runs at the Watermill Theatre until 8 September, with further info here.