As a London theatre audience member, it’s easy to forget sometimes just how difficult performing actually is: portraying a character, remembering lines and blocking, regularly actuating split-second timing. And then, if you’re Marcus Brigstocke and starring in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s revival of Barnum, you can add “walking the tightrope in front of a live audience night after night” to the list.
The first major London revival of the show, which originally premiered on Broadway in 1980 to Tony Award-winning reception, is set to be quite the remarkable production, as Marcus told us during an exclusive chat at rehearsals – check out the video below. Please note you may need to be logged into Facebook to watch this.
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLondonTheatre/videos/1300504930081931/
The show tells the story of P.T. Barnum, the Greatest Showman on Earth, who combines razzle-dazzle with charm and brass to sell “humbug” to cheering crowds. A joyful and moving musical portrait of the nineteenth century’s greatest show-biz legend, Barnum is a colourful, dynamic spectacle full of circus, side-show legends and heart.
With music by Cy Coleman (Sweet Charity and The Life), lyrics by Michael Stewart (book writer of Hello Dolly! and Mack and Mabel; and co-adaptor of 42nd Street), and book by Mark Bramble (co-author of 42nd Street and director of the current revival), Barnum stars Marcus Brigstocke in the eponymous role, with Laura Pitt-Pulford (Charity Barnum) and Tupele Dorgu, Harry Francis and Celinde Schoenmaker co-starring.
Barnum plays at the Menier Chocolate Factory until 3 March 2018. You can book your tickets through the Menier Chocolate Factory website.