Barnum

HMM’s summer production was an epic with colour, sets and costumes and a cast and crew prepared to push themselves to new heights as the Barnum circus came to town.

All the tricks were there with stilt walking, fire eating, tumbling, pipe walking, human pyramids, balancing and many more. The live eight-piece band were present on stage and became an integral part of the performance. 

Jake Merritt gave an extraordinary performance as P T Barnum. He displayed a mesmerising degree of showmanship and stage presence that grabbed the show and propelled it forward. Hardly ever offstage, his stamina and athleticism were remarkable, as was his ability to engage with the audience and bring them into his story. His movement around the stage was full of pizzazz with the air of a gymnast.

Barnum is a great company show and the HMM team came up with all the magic and fun of the fair. Everyone appeared to work hard to master their characters, as well as the dedication to learn those tricks. The ensemble and dancers brought their own colour and energy to this circus and the audience loved it. By the final curtain I felt exhausted so I can only imagine how tired they all felt.  

Once again Havering Music Makers summer show blurred the lines between professional and amateur theatre. 

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