Barnam at The New Wimbledon Theatre

A select group from Beckenham and Bromley U3A Theatre Groups took the tram to Wimbledon again this year to see another musical and this time we were in the stalls. The show was the circus musical, Barnum which many remembered seeing many years ago at the London Palladium with Michael Crawford as Phineas Taylor Barnum.

This touring performance didn’t disappoint and unsurprisingly, given the quality, Zippos Circus and the National Centre for Circus Arts were consultants. Starring Matt Rawle in the title role and an amazing group of acrobats, dancers and musicians. One member commented that the cast were so multi-talented as they all performed so many different skills. Barnum even did a tight rope walk although it took him a couple of attempts. Interestingly the production was choreographed by Oti Mabuse of Strictly fame.

The show follows Barnum’s life through its ups and downs where, with his wife Charity, his life unfolds on stage with all its twists and turns as his dreams lead him to headier heights. Songs such as 'Colours of my Life' and 'Come follow the band' brought the show to life and there was some really great singing from Dominique Planter as the aged Joice Heath and understudy Elena Bluck as famous soprano Jenny Lind. Tom Thumb was performed by Fergus Rattigan and Jumbo the elephant was a much admired puppet performance with several actors manipulating the massive figure.

It was a shame that the matinee performance was particularly well attended but we all were pleased to have made the journey and enjoyed the show.

Contributed by Mary Garside