New London production of the musical

Marcus Brigstocke is to play the world’s greatest showman, PT Barnum, on the London stage.

He plays the 19th Century showbusiness entrepreneur in a new version of the rarely performed musical Barnum at the Menier Chocolate Factory from November.

The production is described as a ’colourful, dynamic spectacle full of circus, side-show legends, toe-tapping songs and immense heart’.

Barnum was first performed in 1980, with Jim Dale in the lead role and Glenn Close making her musical theatre debut in the show. Michael Crawford took the lead in the West End with Brian Conley taking it on tour.

The new London production opens on November 25 and runs through to March 3, with Laura Pitt-Pulford playing the circus master’s wife, Charity,

Brigstocke has rigged up a 2ft ‘low wire’ in his home so he can practise some of the show’s stunts.

He made his musical theatre debut as King Arthur in part of the UK tour of Monty Python’s Spamalot in 2010. He starred in The Railway Children as Albert Perks at Waterloo station in 2011, and earlier this year played Ali Hakim at two semi-staged concert performances of Oklahoma! at the Proms.

Earlier this week we reported how Brigstocke would be starring in a new BBC Four sitcom alonside  Kerry Godliman. The Wilsons Save The World is described as ‘The Good Life for the new millennium’ and is about a couple trying to live a greener, more ethical life.

Barnum’s book is by Mark Bramble with lyrics by Michael Stewart, and music by Cy Coleman. Songs from the show include There is a Sucker Born Ev'ry Minute, Join The Circus and Come Follow The Band.

The new production is directed by  Gordon Greenberg  with Celinde Schoenmaker, Tupele Dorgu and Harry Francis also in the cast.

Published: 29 Sep 2017