ROLL UP - for, thanks to Cameron Mackintosh and Michael Harrison, the greatest show on earth, Barnum, at the Palace Theatre.

Once here, you’re caught up in a circus atmosphere. For before the curtains open, the auditorium is filled with jugglers and handstanders.

When they do open, you see the real McCoy. Trapeze artists perform amidst a plethora of colour in lights, costumes and atmosphere.

Larger than life performer Brian Conley fills the stage with charisma.

With boundless energy, his Phineas T Barnum, who starts his career with freak shows, and ends up as a great circus owner, takes over. We even discover he can perform a circus act himself! I love the poignant way he sings Barnum’s Lament.

Characters he exhibited in real life appear.

They include Landi Oshinowo as a woman who claims to be 161 years old, Mikey Jay-Heath a supposed Tom Thumb who only appears small because he is surrounded by men on stilts, and Kimberley Blake as Jenny Lind, the sultry Swedish temptress of an opera singer who he lures into his circus.

Despite Phineas’ attraction to Jenny, he remains faithful to wife Chairy. Linzi Hateley demonstrates well the contrast between the two women.

Among the lovely duets she sings with Phineas, The Colors of My Life stands out.

Under the musical directorship of Ian Townsend, the band brings to life numbers composed by Cy Coleman.

* Until November 15 For tickets call 0844 871 3019 or visit atgtickets.com/manchester. Star rating: * * * *