Barnum

I was very pleased to be asked to cover for my colleague, Noel Rigg and the joy of, once again, seeing this group back in action after two years of waiting!

Their choice of show was a delight - long before the Hollywood version of PT Barnum, 'The Greatest Showman' starring Hugh Jackman, Michael Crawford was giving his fans a real treat on stage as the legendary showman in the 1980s.

With the music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart and book by Mark Bramble, 'Barnum' tells the life of the Circus Master from his early days as owner of the American Museum in 1835 to the famous Barnum and Bailey Travelling show in 1880. It made such a change to see colourful sets, like a circus ring, with every company member turning their hands to juggling, spinning plates, acrobatics and stilt-walking!  Michael Kirkby, as Director and Choreographer, brought together all aspects of this production with ease and experience - a complicated piece which requires every member of cast to be focused all the time, as the action zipped by at breakneck speed. 

Taking on the main part of Barnum himself was Richard Armstrong - a real tour-de-force, this actor had hugh stage presence; although a little tentative at the start, he soon got into his stride and gave a masterly performance. Playing his long-suffering wife, Hayley Metcalfe gave a very strong performance as Charity Barnum. I just loved their duets, they both had good, tuneful voices and excellent acting abilities.

Chris Sheard played the Ring Master and Narrator with panache, Charlotte Noon played the Swedish Nightingale, Jenny Lind, with grace and charm - Chris Littler-Moore played General Tom Thumb really well - with giant-sized sets and chair, he 'fitted' the bill perfectly - Rachel Warlop as 'The Blues Singer' was equally well cast when she sang the number 'Black and White'.

The ensemble supported the princials very well, with untold energy and strong singing.

I particularly enjoyed the magic tricks that the director had added - these gave a professional feel to the production - plus - the cast moving the set with dressed stage crew worked really well and kept the pace flowing.

Musically, Ian Abbott as Musical Director, had many different rhythms in the score to guide his cast through and these worked well - I felt that first night nerves occasionally made the cast get ahead of the music - but Ian soon brought things under control - the score is so good with delightful tunes, especially, 'Follow the Band'!

Unseen but on the ball were the backstage creatives, led by Gayna Goalby - the Town Hall is not easy to work, but everything was of the high standard, well done! I would like to make a special mention of the costumes under the careful eye of Tracy Stocks - how lovely to see period outfits once again (provided by Ian Stead Costumiers) - and also, the hair styles were authentic - this is rather rare in this day and age!

I suppose you might think that the strory of P.T.Barnum is really American history, but anyone who enjoys the circus and a spoonful of 'humbug' would really love this show - it was obviously enjoyed by the audience, who cheered and clapped at the finale. I do hope that more groups are encouraged to present 'Barnum' to their districts - it was a heart-warming change to see something 'old' appear sparkling new!

My sincere congratulations to you all - welcome back with a stunning production!

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