The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced plans to host the first major London revival of the Tony Award-winning musical spectacle Barnum this Christmas.
Gordon Greenberg’s production will open on 5 December, with previews from 25 November, and run until 3 March 2018. Telling the story of P. T. Barnum, the self-proclaimed Greatest Showman on Earth, the musical sees the legendary entertainer combine razzle-dazzle with smooth charm and brass to sell “humbug” to cheering crowds.
Promising a joyful and moving musical portrait of the nineteenth century’s greatest show-biz legend, Barnum is sure to prove 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), the showbiz spectacle first premièred on Broadway in 1980.
Director Gordon Greenberg recently co-wrote and directed the Broadway stage adaptation of Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn at Studio 54 for Roundabout Theatre Company and Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Guys And Dolls (Chichester Festival Theatre, Savoy Theatre and Phoenix Theatre), Working (59 E 59 in New York – also adapted).
Tickets will be available through the Menier Chocolate Factory website.