Coming this October

A major new touring production of Barnum, the classic Broadway musical by Cy Coleman (music), Michael Stewart (lyrics) and Mark Bramble (book) that celebrates the life of the world’s greatest showman, P.T. Barnum, comes to Eastbourne’s Congress Theatre from October 20-24.

Producers Bill Kenwright Ltd have confirmed that Matt Rawle (Cabaret; Evita; Les Misérables) will be reprising his critically acclaimed performance as P T Barnum. Performing alongside him are Monique Young (Mary Poppins) as Charity Barnum, Penny Ashmore (Dr Strangelove) as Jenny Lind, Dominique Planter (The Lion King) as Joice Heth, and Fergus Rattigan (The Wizard of Oz) as General Tom Thumb.

They are joined by Elena Bluck, Gianpaolo Candelaria, Eamonn Cox, James Gill, Jessica Jolleys, Kevin Oliver Jones, Emma Jane Morton, Sophie Precious Muringu, Lennin Nelson-McClure, Emily Odunsi, André Rodrigues, Ben Scott, Laura Sillett, Tom Sowinski, Tom Sterling and Niki Tsonopoulou.

A spokesman said: “Step right up and enter the dazzling world of P T Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds. Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum’s life and career twist and turn as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights.

“This spectacular production will feature an extraordinary ensemble cast of actor-musicians, acrobats and amazing circus acts. Audiences are certain to delight at every sight, wonder and miracle that the name Barnum stands for.

“Come follow the band with the glorious music of multi-award-winner Cy Coleman, Michael Stewart’s lyrics and Mark Bramble’s book. The show features a whole host of classic show tunes including Join the Circus, Colours of My Life, Come Follow the Band and Love Makes Such Fools of Us All.

“This musical classic first took the UK by storm when it played the London Palladium, with Michael Crawford making theatrical history with a death-defying nightly tightrope walk across the stage.”

The production is directed by Jonathan O’Boyle (Picture You Dead; The Last Five Years) and choreographed by Oti Mabuse (Strictly Come Dancing). The creative team also includes George Dyer (arranger, orchestrator & musical supervisor), Lee Newby (set & costume designer), Matt Nicholson (co-choreographer), Jai Morjaria (lighting designer), Tom Marshall (sound designer), Amy Panter (circus director), Kevin Oliver Jones (musical director), Jess Ellen Knight (associate director), Iona Luvsandorj and Sabrina Joshua (circus instructors), Zippos Circus and The National Centre for Circus Arts (circus consultants), Mervyn Millar and Tracy Waller for Significant Object (puppet designers) and Helen Foan for Significant Object (puppetry director).

Tickets on eastbournetheatres.co.uk or call 01323 412000.