Barnum

I was so happy that I followed the band all the way to Rotherham Civic Theatre to see Maltby Musical Theatre Groups production of Barnum.

Before the start of the show the audience were entertained by ensemble members doing tricks and stunts in the auditorium, which set the scene for the rest of the show very well.

From the off, the stage was full of colour with fabulous costumes, an impressive floor and a stunning set from Proscenium. Being in the ensemble in Barnum is not an easy job, as the ensemble are never off, and when they are, they’re more than likely changing costumes to play another character. I must mention George Dovey & Maisie Abbott as the acrobat and aerial artisite,simply stunning.  The ensemble in this production were fantastic. High energy, and singing some lovely harmonies. Congratulations must go to Musical Director, Pete Lane, who must have drilled those harmonies into the ensemble and managed to conduct an impressive band, as well as deliver lib and play an instrument himself. 

Now, for Barnum to work, you need a great leading man. Maltby didn’t have a great leading man, they had an exceptional one. The titular role was in the very safe hands of MMTG’s chairman and experienced performer, Richard Wilshaw. Richard was never off the stage, with paragraphs upon paragraphs to deliver and song after song to perform, Richard never once forgot a line, came out of character or let his accent drop. My heart was truly breaking for him when Charity had ‘to go’. An exceptional individual performance. 

Speaking of Charity, Barnum’s wife, this role was portrayed by Fiona Broadhead who delivered a fine performance and impressive vocals. I need to get myself one of those coins!! 

Matthew Smith as Tom Thumb was impressive and I predict a bright future on the stage for this young man. Wendy Barrows was hysterical as Joice Heth, the oldest woman in the world. From the walk to her voice, I really did believe she was 160 years old. 

Jenny Lind, the Swedish Nightingale was played by the excellent Martha Haywood. Martha has one of the best voices I have heard for a very long time, with great diction and great comedy timing in her lib pieces with Barnum. This is the first time I have seen Martha on stage, but I hope it won’t be the last. Alison Foster gave the audience her inner diva as the Blues Singer and Mark Perry kept the audience aware as what was happening as the Ringmaster. 

The choreography for this production excellent  and fitted the show just right. My favourite piece of Choreography was the ballet duet by Anita Boylan. and Andrew Trueman. 

Roger Hazlewood, Director, made sure that the stage was full all the time and that there was always something for us the audience to look at. 

Great set, lighting, acting, singing and dancing all made for a great night of pure entertainment. 

I joined the circus and I didn’t wasn’t to leave

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