There are some shows that arrive with serious expectation, and The Greatest Showman is right up there.
Heading into the Bristol Hippodrome, there was genuine curiosity about whether it could match the film that so many people — myself included — have watched more times than could possibly be counted.
The good news? It doesn’t just match it… in many ways, it brings something even better.
From the opening moments, it feels like a proper event. The set design is outstanding — bold, detailed and constantly changing in a way that keeps the eye engaged without ever feeling overcomplicated. Scene transitions are slick, and the whole production flows effortlessly from one moment to the next.
Then there’s the lighting, which deserves a mention all on its own. It’s exactly what one would expect from a Disney-level production — polished, dramatic and perfectly timed. Whether it’s the big, uplifting numbers like This Is Me or the more intimate moments, the lighting adds real depth and atmosphere throughout.
Of course, the songs are the heart of it all, and hearing them live is something else. A Million Dreams, Rewrite the Stars and This Is Me all land exactly as hoped, if not better. There’s a real energy in the theatre when those opening notes kick in — the kind where you can feel the audience leaning forward slightly, ready to enjoy every second.
What works particularly well is how easy it all feels. Nothing is forced, nothing drags, and before long the show is heading towards its finale. It’s the sort of production where you can switch off from everything else and just enjoy being there.
As someone who knows the film inside out, there’s always that slight concern that a stage version might not quite capture the same magic. That worry disappears very quickly here. The spirit of the story is still front and centre – with a couple of tweaks, just brought to life in a bigger, more immersive way.
This is exactly what a night at the theatre should be — entertaining, uplifting and done to a very high standard.
So much so, in fact, that another visit is already booked in for a few weeks’ time — and honestly, it can’t come soon enough.
