The
Greatest Show on Earth
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Photo: Johan Persson
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Barnum
Hull New Theatre
Until 25th
October then on tour
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Photo: Johan Persson
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Phineas Taylor Barnum was America’s
second millionaire, bankrupted twice yet still died America’s
richest man. This show is a lavish musical which is in the spirit of Barnum
himself. It is about giving the audience a good time from the very beginning.
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Photo:
Johan Persson
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Before the curtain goes up the ensemble is
mingling in the crowd showing off their circus tricks and trying to get the
audience to take part. The Razzmatazz continues as the curtain goes up as the
11 piece orchestra and the acrobats join the circus performers. P T Barnum
himself would have been impressed by the colourful display that filled the
stage.
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Photo:
Johan Persson
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The story broadly follows a number of aspects of
Barnum’s life. Brian Conley is called upon to interact at times with the crowd
and improvises as well as many stand-up comics. He also walks the literal
tight-rope in a brilliant performance as the man credited with been a legend of
self-promotion and advertising. The wonderful Linzi Hateley plays Chairy Barnum
and there is lots of onstage chemistry between these two pivotal characters.
The singing is always top notch. Linzi Hateley, Kimberly
Blake, as the Swedish Nightingale Jenny Lind, and Landi Oshinowo, in both her
roles as Joice Heth and the Blues Singer, are are all note perfect with a range
of delightful numbers.
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Photo:
Johan Persson
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Mikey Jay-Heath
as Tom Thumb and Brian Conley hold the singing honours for the lads.
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Photo:
Johan Persson
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The set is visually stunning as it doubles as the
arena for many of Barnum’s stunts. Even the set changes were turned into circus
style routines which had a round of applause from the appreciative audience.
The only quibble would be that it was a shame that the talented orchestra was
hidden away for much of the show.
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Photo:
Johan Persson
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It has long been a bug bear of the Jowheretogo
team that there is a lack of shows, outside of panto season, which are suitable
for the whole family. Barnum is one such show that will keep the whole family
entertained. On a number of occasions
the stage is filled with circus frivolity .
Barnum the musical is a stunning exploration of a
larger than life character.
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Photo: Johan Persson
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This
review was written by Stephen Oliver for Jowheretogo PR
(www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen
@panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
Tour dates include:
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Photo:
Johan Persson
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