Barnum

This is the first occasion on which the young people of  York Light Youth have repeated a production performed by the adults and that was as long ago as 1999. It’s a show which is not performed all that often, perhaps because of the demands on the leading man and so it was good to see them tackle what to them would be an unfamiliar show with such energy and enthusiasm.

We are, of course, in the world of a showman, the fast-talking salesman of what in one line he describes as trumpery, a word which may have taken on a different meaning over the last 12 months, but which refers to fake, to flim-flam and to humbug.  All this and an excursion into politics lies behind the story of P.T. Barnum.  

Always referred to by his wife as Taylor, his middle-name, he was undoubtedly a giant personality of his time and this musical is a good reflection of his character. The part is a real challenge for any performer, larger than life, seldom off stage, displaying a few magical skills here and there and, of course, the tight rope walk. Finn East handled it all superbly with great confidence and energy and much arm-waving throughout; even his curtain call began at the back of the stalls and ended with a forward roll on to the stage. He was well supported by the rest of the cast, particularly Amelia Cook as his wife, Chairy, a charming performance, initially questioning of her husband’s plans and then, aided by her double-headed coin, supportive of his efforts. Several of the cast have solo items and all were well performed from Lucy Scruton as the “oldest woman in the world” thanking God for this to Nathan Christy as Tom Thumb reminding us that “Bigger isn’t better” with a couple of stilt walkers to reinforce the point.

The whole production was well directed but a couple of numbers are particularly memorable.  “One brick at a time” had some excellent work by the full company in passing the bricks in time with the music whilst displaying some acrobatic skills and forming a human pyramid. “Black and White” was just that with some fine costumes before exploding into a riot of colour at a given signal.   Throughout we were treated to lots of action, juggling and hoop routines even during the brief scene changes.

The set was fairly simple but effective including space for the band at the rear of the stage, thereby bringing the audience so much closer to the action and adding to our enjoyment. Sadly, it’s a show which fails to attract the standing ovations which are becoming common elsewhere but the title role is just as much, if not more of a tour de force as others whilst the company as a whole have to learn some new skills and should be congratulated on doing so.

With a new film about him, starring Hugh Jackman, due for release shortly and a comparison with the current U.S. President appearing in American issues of “Vanity Fair” magazine only a few days ago, the life of P.T. Barnum is not without present day interest and after their work here these young people will be much more familiar with it.  Who says musical theatre is not good for your education or that it’s irrelevant?                

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