Bill Kenwright Ltd Mounts Major Revival of Cy Coleman’s Barnum Starring Lee Mead

The theatrical landscape is set to be invigorated by a major new touring production of Barnum, the seminal Broadway musical celebrating the life of the world’s most legendary showman, P.T. Barnum. Produced by Bill Kenwright Ltd, this revival originated at the Watermill Theatre and is poised to traverse the United Kingdom and Ireland. The production promises a visceral synthesis of traditional musical theatre and immersive circus arts, featuring a score by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart, and a book by Mark Bramble.

Lee Mead and Matt Rawle to Headline

The titular role of P.T. Barnum, a character synonymous with boundless imagination and speculative enterprise, will be portrayed by West End protagonist and television personality Lee Mead. Mead, widely recognized for his victory on Any Dream Will Do and subsequent successes in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wicked, and Legally Blonde, will anchor the production during its initial run. The role demands significant physical dexterity; Mead will emulate the show’s historic staging by undertaking tightrope training to perform the narrative’s metaphorical and literal balancing acts.

Following the initial leg of the tour, the mantle of the Prince of Humbug will be passed to Matt Rawle for the autumn engagements. Rawle is a seasoned performer with a catalogue of critically acclaimed roles in Cabaret, Evita, and Les Misérables.

Dominique Planter and Jessica Jolleys – Barnum UK and Ireland Tour (Rehearsal Images) – Photo credit: Mark Senior

Ensemble and Creative Direction

Joining the principal cast is Monique Young (Mary Poppins) as Charity Barnum, the grounding force amidst her husband’s schemes. The roster also features Penny Ashmore (Dr Strangelove) as the Swedish Nightingale Jenny Lind, Dominique Planter (The Lion King) as Joice Heth, and Fergus Rattigan (The Wizard of Oz) as General Tom Thumb. The production utilizes a dynamic ensemble of actor-musicians and acrobats to bring the circus atmosphere to life.

The creative vision is helmed by Director Jonathan O’Boyle (The Last Five Years) and Choreographer Oti Mabuse (Strictly Come Dancing), ensuring a kinetic and visually arresting staging. The production’s auditory and visual landscape is crafted by a robust creative team, including George Dyer (Orchestrator & Musical Supervisor), Lee Newby (Set & Costume Designer), and Jai Morjaria (Lighting Designer). Notably, the production integrates specialized circus expertise, with consultancy from Zippos Circus and The National Centre for Circus Arts, and puppetry design by Significant Object.

A Narrative of Spectacle and Song

Barnum chronicles the career of a man who equated life with a circus tent, exploring his complex relationship with his wife Charity and his relentless pursuit of “headier heights.” The narrative is propelled by Coleman’s award-winning score, which includes standards such as Join the Circus, Colours of My Life, Come Follow the Band, and Love Makes Such Fools of Us All.

This musical initially achieved prominence in the UK at the London Palladium, where Michael Crawford’s nightly tightrope walk became a piece of theatrical history. This new touring production aims to recapture that sense of wonder, inviting audiences into a world where ambition knows no bounds.

Production Schedule and Tour Dates

Starring Lee Mead