Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum’s life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights. However, the irresistible pull of an ever-bigger humbug comes at a cost, and the people paying are usually those on whom Barnum tramples, on the way to the top.
Come follow the band with the glorious multi-award-winning Cy Coleman’s music, Michael Stewart’s lyrics and Mark Bramble’s book in this brand-new production directed by Jonathan O’Boyle (Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical – West End, The Last Five Years -Southwark Playhouse & West End), choreographed by Oti Mabuse who returns to the Watermill after her work on Kiss Me Kate in 2019, and featuring an ensemble cast of actor-musicians and circus performers.
Following the sell-out smash hit The Lord of the Rings, this summer, come and join the circus at The Watermill Theatre.
Cast
Titular character P.T. Barnum will be played by Matt Rawle (Evita) alongside Monique Young (Sondheim’s Old Friends) as ‘Charity Barnum’ and Penny Ashmore (Ride of the Valkyries) as ‘Jenny Lind’.
Fergus Rattigan (The Sovereign) will play ‘General Tom Thumb’ with Tania Mathurin (The Witches) as ‘Joice Heth’, Josh Barnett (Cruel Intentions) as ‘James Bailey’, and Tom Sterling (The Third Man) as ‘Edgar Templeton’.
Returning to The Watermill Theatre are ensemble members Emma Jane Morton (Sweet Charity) and Tom Sowinski (As You Like It), alongside newcomers to The Watermill Theatre, Jessica Jolleys (Beautiful), Charis Alexandra (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical) and Elena Bluck who is making her professional debut.
The cast is completed by onstage swings Kaine Hatukai (The Secret Love of Ophelia) and Laura Sillett (Footloose) and circus performers Kiera Brunton (Dancing in a Winter Wonderland), Emily Odunsi (Diamonds are Forever), Dan Holland (Priscilla the Party) and Andre Rodrigues in his musical theatre professional debut.
