Barnum

We were warmly greeted, as ever, at the venue and were able to enjoy pre-show drinks before taking our seats. The hall had been transformed into a circus arena with a large platform, surrounded by additional performing space and with the audience seated on three sides. This was a great idea by the Director and worked really well. Curtains hanging across the open doors out of the hall acted as entry and exit points for the cast, further enhancing the feeling of being at the circus.

Due I presume to the constraints of the venue, there were no circus folk greeting the audience at this production.  Everyone though from principals to chorus had really honed their circus skills and during the course of the evening we saw acrobats, clowns, jugglers, even a cleverly constructed elephant.  A special mention here for the stilts walker and unicyclist, two difficult skills to master but ones which were displayed with confidence.  I was also made aware of a trapeze artist who I only caught a glimpse of as I was seated in front of her.

A superb performance by Finn Lihoreau as Barnum, the self-described Prince of Humbug. Confident and polished, this young actor showed a professionalism beyond his years. Very well done and I look forward to seeing him again in future productions.  

The role of Charity was a shared one, played on this Thursday evening by Zoe Kambitsis.  A lovely performance as Barnum’s long suffering wife, showing all the emotion required of the part. Their duet, The Colours of My Life, was beautifully sung by both.

Under Matthew Chancellor’s expert direction all the principals gave strong performances. Jenny Lind, the Swedish opera singer seemed to be the perfect role for Aliyah May Haynes. It is vocally challenging but her quite amazing voice made her Obligato and Love Makes Such Fools of Us look effortless.

Well done to Clara Fenwick as Joice Heth, billed by Barnum as the oldest woman in the world, and to Samuel Allan for his lively performance as General Tom Thumb, also a shared role.

I especially liked One Brick at a Time which was very cleverly done. The cast and their creative team must be congratulated on their commitment to producing a show of this standard.

The principals were well supported by the rest of the named cast, some doubling up and all performing enthusiastically. Judging by all the smiling faces, everyone was really enjoying taking part.

The orchestra, under the direction of Andrew Taylor and out of sight behind acoustic screens, provided excellent accompaniment.  Lighting and sound were good, we could hear every word. Scene changes were hardly noticeable, resulting in the show moving at a good pace.

A large red trunk, wheeled on and off the platform as required, acted as a very versatile stage prop, from housing Tom Thumb, to serving as a restaurant table. I was a bit concerned though to see it start to roll when Barnum leapt up on it. Hopefully this was noted and acted upon for the rest of the run.

We had a very enjoyable evening and I am so pleased that Regional Councillor Tessa Davies was able to join us for this lovely production.

Congratulations to all involved and thank you for inviting me.

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