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.
In rehearsal: Barnum at Menier Chocolate Factory
"I think that when people leave this show, they will feel like they've seen something that they haven't seen before, and that they're unlikely to see ever again." Take a look at the action from the Barnum rehearsal room!
Posted by Official London Theatre on Friday, November 24, 2017
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.