A new production of the Olivier and Tony award-winning musical Barnum returns to the stage this summer.
Treading the boards at The Windmill Theatre, Newbury, the show opens on July 2nd and will run until September 8th.
Barnum is based on the life of P.T. Barnum, an American greatest showman, businessman and politician. It focuses on the period between 1935 to 1880 when he toured the US with circus performers and entertainers.
Step into the dazzling world of P.T. Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds. Delight at every sight, wonder and miracle as the creator of spectacle comes to town with a sensational show featuring a whole host of characters.
Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum’s life and career twists and turns will be laid bare on stage as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights. However, the irresistible pull of an ever-bigger scheme comes at a cost, and the people paying are usually those who Barnum trampled on the way to the top.
Featuring music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart, and a book by Mark Bramble, directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, with choreography by Oti Mabuse, and featuring an ensemble cast of actor-musicians and circus performers, this sensational show will take over the Watermill site with the wonders and delights of Barnum’s circus.
P.T. Barnum will be played by Matt Rawle (Father Brown, BBC; Evita, Theatre Royal Drury Lane) alongside Monique Young (Sondheim’s Old Friends, Gielgud Theatre; Mary Poppins, Prince Edward Theatre) as ‘Charity Barnum’ and Penny Ashmore (Ride of the Valkyries, Die Walküre – Gala Concert, Royal Albert Hall) as ‘Jenny Lind’.
Director Jonathan O’Boyle said, “I’m thrilled to be directing Barnum at the beautiful Watermill Theatre this summer and with this wonderful cast and creative team. Barnum is a magical show, full of thrills, music, dance and yes, circus performers. With a fresh new take on this classic story, we’re approaching the show through a modern lens and perspective, celebrating the rich diversity and heritage of the show’s characters. We can’t wait transform the theatre and the grounds of the Watermill and immerse the audience in the world of P.T. Barnum!”
For more information or tickets view https://www.watermill.org.uk/ or call the box office on 01635 46044
