THE Circus is back in town as Barnum comes to The Lowry. 

 

Cameron Mackintosh and Chichester Festival theatre team up with a show to remember.

 

 

It stars Brian Conley who recently played Fagin in Cameron Mackintosh’s tour of Oliver.

 

Brian plays the title role with panache as his character lights the world with imaginative new show biz ideas and finally joins J.A. Bailey to create the money-spinning  Barnum and Bailey’s Circus.

 

He even manages to master the tight rope and walk on stilts!

 

Phineas Taylor Barnum actually existed.   He created a freak show called Barnum’s American Museum.

 

Brian’s Barnum takes us through his life with irrepressible energy and obvious personal enjoyment.

 

Despite his attraction to the glamorous singer Jenny Lind, played with a voice to die for by a sultry Kimberly Blake, he never leaves his practical wife Chairy. 

 

Linzi Hateley plays the down to earth woman, who oversees his journey from rags to riches.   The pair sing lovely duets including The Colors of My Life which is exceptional.

 

Another glorious voice comes from Landi Oshinowo who raises the roof with Thank God I’m Old.

 

The ensemble come alive in  Black and White.   With sensitive choreography, beautiful singing and costumes designed by Kate Hemstock, they create their own mini musical.

 

Barnum is also  a freak show and circus show combined.   We see trapeze artists and acrobats as well as a so-called woman of 160 and a ‘Tom Thumb’ surrounded by stilt walkers. 

 

Musical Director Ian Townsend and his band, bring to life Cy Coleman’s magical songs.

 

So roll-up and enjoy the ‘greatest show on earth’.   It’s a fun night.

 

*         At the Lowry until Saturday, August 8.  Telephone the box office on 0843 209 600 or visit thelowry.com/events/barnum.   Star rating:  * * * *