Matt Rawle is P.T. Barnum, in this scaled-back, but no less joyful touring production of the 80s classic musical, complete with tightrope. ★★★★

Venerable theatregoers may remember watching the death-defying production of Barnum in the early to mid 80s on Broadway and the West End. Starring Michael Crawford in London, he played the role over 1000 times, reviving the role in 1985, mercifully preserved by the BBC on VHS for younger generations. (I thoroughly recommend you make an evening of it, or add to your collection if you’ve not seen it!)

Crawford was so dedicated to his role that he spent 5 months training at a circus school in New York to master the tight rope and other stunts. We found it difficult therefore to not compare this latest production’s circus elements to the original, because they were so memorable, inciting breathless ovations from the audience every night.

The tour leaves the majority of the circus tricks to the ensemble, who add atmosphere by jumping up and down on a see-saw, flinging themselves around in a hoop, or hanging from aerial silks (trying not to accidentally kick Barnum’s head during one finale pose…which did happen, but thankfully kept his top hat in place).

But that’s fine…because the main event, which they did leave in, is still Barnum’s. The tightrope walk genuinely had me praying for Matt Rawle’s safe delivery to the other side of the platform, where Jenny Lind was flirtatiously waiting for him. In the front row, Rawle’s visible tremors and trembles did add a real sense of peril. It’s amazing how he does it night after night. If it were me, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the show until the second half once it was all over!

A welcome change to the original show, is that General Tom Thumb is actually played by a man of short stature. Instead of making the background and props comically bigger (think of the Dennis Waterman Little Britain sketches), we actually get a large elephant puppet and a nice little number about bigger not always being better. Amusingly, Niles said he recognised the actor (Fergus Rattigan) because they completed a Level One Stage Combat course together …

Entertainment ★★★★☆ Incredibly entertaining throughout, our enjoyment was only somewhat lessened from having witnessed the awe-inspiring tricks and stunts of the original. New audiences will either be blown away for what it is, or be constantly comparing it to The Greatest Showman. Remember that Barnum beat Hugh Jackman to it by almost 40 years, and the music is arguably better.

Star Power ★★★★☆ Matt Rawle may not be a household name, but he sure has charisma, and as my sister observed – cheekbones to die for. You genuinely buy into the world of humbug he creates and he is incredibly watchable as well as talented. Another notable mention is Dominique Planter who especially shines in ‘Black and White’, adding a touch of glamour to Act 2.

Value ★★★★☆ It’s worth it. This is a highly aesthetic production — I could have gone back a couple of times and not felt like I’d seen all of it. You have actor-musicians playing a range of instruments, as well as a cast with acrobatic skills utilising a range of aerial space as a touring production will allow. Niles kindly bought me the ‘there’s a sucker, born ev‘ry minute’ tote bag as a sign of our approval. The small elephant plush he wanted was £28 though… he’s started a crowd fund.