Roll up, roll up for the greatest show on earth!
Bill Kenwright Ltd is delighted to announce the full casting for Barnum, the classic Broadway musical celebrating the extraordinary life of legendary showman P.T. Barnum. Featuring music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart and a book by Mark Bramble, this spectacular new touring production will visit Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre in May 2026, following its acclaimed run at the Watermill Theatre.
Taking centre stage as the world’s greatest showman is West End favourite and TV star Lee Mead, best known for winning Any Dream Will Do and for his celebrated performances in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wicked and Legally Blonde.
Joining Lee Mead are:
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Monique Young (Mary Poppins) as Charity Barnum
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Penny Ashmore (Dr Strangelove) as Jenny Lind
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Dominique Planter (The Lion King) as Joice Heth
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Fergus Rattigan (The Wizard of Oz) as General Tom Thumb
They are joined by an exceptional ensemble cast including Elena Bluck, Gianpaolo Candelaria, Eamonn Cox, James Gill, Jessica Jolleys, Kevin Oliver Jones, Emma Jane Morton, Sophie Precious Muringu, Lennin Nelson-McClure, Emily Odunsi, André Rodrigues, Ben Scott, Laura Sillett, Tom Sowinski, Tom Sterling and Niki Tsonopoulou.
Step into the dazzling world of P.T. Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds. Hand in hand with his wife Charity, Barnum’s life twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way from humble beginnings to global fame.
This thrilling production features an extraordinary company of actor-musicians, acrobats and circus performers, delivering wonder, spectacle and jaw-dropping feats at every turn.
Audiences will delight in a score packed with unforgettable showstoppers, including Join the Circus, Colours of My Life, Come Follow the Band and Love Makes Such Fools of Us All.
Barnum first took the UK by storm at the London Palladium, where Michael Crawford famously made theatrical history with a death-defying nightly tightrope walk across the stage. Now, Lee Mead steps into his shoes — and onto the tightrope.
The production is directed by Jonathan O’Boyle (Picture You Dead, The Last Five Years) and choreographed by Oti Mabuse (Strictly Come Dancing).
Tickets are on sale now
👉 https://trafalgartickets.com/wyvern-theatre-swindon/en-GB/event/musical/barnum-tickets
