- Running time 2 hours 10 minutes (including interval)
- Age guidelines 8+
Barnum - Tour Dates
Performance information is for guidance only. Check booking calendar for details.
Step right up for Barnum – a spectacular new UK tour opening in 2026! This bold, colourful musical is inspired by the life and legend of P.T. Barnum, the showman who sparked The Greatest Showman.
West End favourite and TV star Lee Mead (Sister Act, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) leads the cast as the legendary 19th-century entertainer P.T. Barnum, until 4 July 2026; and Matt Rawle (Evita, Barnum) plays P.T Barnum from 15 August 2026.
The show also stars 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.
Reimagined for a new generation, this fresh production of the Broadway classic bursts with ambition, imagination and illusion. With over 20 actor-musicians playing 150 instruments, plus dazzling acrobats and circus acts, Barnum promises music, magic and unmissable theatrical spectacle.
About the Show
Featuring the multi-award-winning music of Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart and a book by Mark Bramble (42nd Street), Barnum returns in a vibrant new production that honours its Broadway roots while bringing fresh theatrical flair to the stage.
Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle (Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical, The Last Five Years) and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse, Barnum combines classic storytelling with contemporary style.
The production features a dynamic ensemble of actor-musicians and performers trained in acrobatics and circus arts, adding an extra layer of visual wonder — while always keeping the musical at its core.
Book Your Tickets
Don’t miss your chance to experience this joyful celebration of theatrical showmanship, filled with charm, wit, and wonder.
Book your Barnum tickets now and get ready for a musical that thinks big, dreams bigger, and delivers it all with a flourish.
P.T. Barnum always dreamed bigger. From sideshow curiosities to worldwide fame, he spun stories, built empires, and redefined the meaning of spectacle. Alongside his devoted wife Charity, Barnum’s journey is filled with dazzling highs, devastating lows, and the irresistible pull of something greater — no matter the cost.
Videos & Photos
Stars and Creatives
Who is in the cast of Barnum?
Cast until 4 July 2026
Starring Lee Mead (Joseph) as P.T Barnum, with 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
Also stars Elena Buck, 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
Cast from 15 August 2026
Starring Matt Rawle as P.T Barnum. Further casting to be announced.
Who are the creative team of Barnum?
Composed by Cy Coleman, with lyrics by Michael Stewart and a book by Mark Bramble.
Directed by Johnathan O’Boyle, with choreography by Oti Mabuse and set and costume design by Lee Newby. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by George Dyer, lighting design by Jai Morjaria, sound design by Tom Marshall, and circus direction by Amy Panter. Matt Nicholson is associate choreographer and Nick Lodge is associate sound designer.
Barnum played at the Watermill Theatre Newbury from 2 July to 8 September 2024. This UK tour is produced by Bill Kenwright Ltd.
Important Notes
This show includes smoke, haze, gunshots, fire, loud noise, flashing lights, darkness, latex balloons and clowns. The production contains depictions of racism, slavery and the exploitation of children and animals.
Google
AppleCritics' reviews of Barnum
★★★★★ "Dazzling all-singing, all-juggling musical" The Observer (2024)
★★★★★ "A triumph of charm, ambition and ingenuity" The Stage (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions
News about Barnum
Barnum starring Lee Mead – New trailer released
Barnum adds new 2026 tour dates, Matt Rawle to follow Lee Mead as PT Barnum
Lee Mead to star in new Barnum tour
The Watermill Theatre announces 2024 season including Barnum, Fanny & The King’s Speech
The Menier Chocolate Factory to stage revivial of Barnum
Douglas Hodge to follow La Cage Aux Folles by starring in Barnum?
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