Barnum

Review by Jo Wilson-Hunt Youth Coordinator Noda South West, On behalf of Representative of DISTRICT 8a    1.5.22

‘Come to the circus’, on walking into the foyer of the Tacchi Morris we were greeted by a member of the troupe of PT Barnum’s Greatest Show on Earth, who guided us through a historical display of gallery images, giving us a historical background to the man and his dreams…followed by a visit to ‘The man eating chicken’…I will say no more on this!!!

Entering the auditorium as expected we entered the circus ring of Barnum’s ‘Big Top’ and took our seats. The band hidden from our view began and we were transported to 1835.As with all theatre at present we are moving forward following a period of darkness post ‘Covid’ and TAOS like many others cast this production and were on the verge of performance 18 months + ago, recasting and shuffling of role has occurred but luckily the principal characters remained the same and this was very evident. 

Holding the company together was Barnum himself, an experienced performer willing to try anything new, even physical theatre walking in the air, sang and performed with aplomb. He was supported by the perfectly cast Charity, her approach to this level headed and supportive wife gave a true sense of reality, totally believable and endearing. Jenny Lind sang like a Nightingale as billed and had an ethereal quality. The old Joice Heth was played by a very young dynamic young lady who was a true ‘Star’, she only appeared a couple of times but she certainly caught the eye, a young woman to watch out for I feel.

The ensemble who worked not only as performers but also set, crew and everything else had a thoroughly fantastic time and this was infectious. The hidden heroes also did a magnificent job. Congratulations to everyone you brought the circus to town and it was lovely …     

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