Barnum – Review – Bradford Alhambra Theatre
By Christine Goode, April 2026
Step right up! The greatest show on earth is coming to town. Barnum is back! I can remember going to the Bradford Alhambra with my parents quite some time ago and loving everything about this show, so I was excited to see the new revival starring Lee Mead.
We arrive early to find the theatre already full. As we walk into the auditorium, circus music with familiar tunes from the show’s score fills the air, adding to the excitement as audience members settle into their seats.
Many people, especially the younger generation, love The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman, but before that there was Barnum. The original production opened on Broadway in 1980 and starred Jim Dale and Glenn Close, followed by the London production in 1981 starring Michael Crawford.
“Holding my breath”
The show follows the true-life story of Phineas Taylor Barnum, an American showman, businessman and politician famed for his museum, which featured curiosities such as the Fiji Mermaid, General Tom Thumb and America’s first aquarium. He was known to be a liar and a conman, with a passion for exaggerating and sensationalising stories. He was a charming character whose loyal and faithful wife, Charity, stood by his side through every challenge.
The show gets off to a flying start, with a very impressive set design by Lee Newby. A full theatre stage set commands attention, complete with theatre boxes surrounding the onstage set, while bright, rich curtains and flags set the scene, along with vaudevillian-style theatre lamps across the front of the stage.
Circus performers, singers, dancers and musicians all join PT Barnum (Lee Mead) in the toe-tapping opener, ‘There Is a Sucker Born Every Minute’. Mead gives an enthusiastic performance throughout and impresses with sleight-of-hand magic tricks, but most of all with his tightrope-walking skills, which had me holding my breath throughout. His tongue-twisting skills were also put to the test as he effortlessly belted out ‘Museum Song’, which is no mean feat. Charity Barnum, played by Monique Young, gives a resounding rendition of my favourite song, ‘One Brick at a Time’, while also playing multiple instruments, singing, acting and dancing.
“Sumptuous”
The entire cast are excellent throughout, and it is mind-blowing how many different instruments they play during the show. However, at times the stage is so busy that it is hard to focus on one performer without missing something. For instance, I almost missed the performer in a handstand while firing a bow and arrow at a target with their feet.
The script features entertaining moments, especially during Phineas and Charity’s exchanges, when the lights dim and the ringmaster steps in to introduce the characters in a playful boxing-match style.
The standout number was ‘Come Follow The Band’. The costumes, sumptuous blue velvet marching-band uniforms with smart peaked hats, together with the energy from the stage and the confetti sprinkled over the audience, were magical.
While the show’s brisk pace occasionally loses chemistry and clarity, it remains enjoyable and memorable, with catchy tunes that will leave you with a few earworms.
Barnum is at Bradford Alhambra until 4th April
images: Pamela Raith
Christine Goode founded her own dance school – The May School of Dance & Theatre Arts over three decades ago. Her dedication to teaching and love of dance, has created many successful artists in the industry, and she is delighted that many of her former students have now returned with their children, allowing them to also discover this beautiful art. She has choreographed, produced and directed shows over the last 36 years, and is devoted to all live theatre and music. Now in her third year of writing about her obsession with the arts, Christine loves to encourage everyone to see as much live theatre as possible.
maydanceschool.co.uk
