Bill Kenwright Ltd presents the Watermill Theatre production

Barnum

Tue 1 - Sat 5 Sep 2026

Synopsis

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Step right up and enter the dazzling world of P.T. Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds. Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum’s life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights.

West End star Matt Rawle will take centre stage as the legendary 19th century showman P.T. Barnum.  This spectacular production directed by Jonathan O’Boyle and choreographed by Oti Mabuse will feature an extraordinary ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians, acrobats and amazing circus acts. Audiences are certain to delight at every sight, wonder and miracle that the name Barnum stands for!

Barnum first took the UK by storm when it played the London Palladium, with Michael Crawford making theatrical history with a death-defying nightly tightrope walk across the stage. And now, Mark Rawle steps into Barnum’s shoes and on to the tightrope!

Come follow the band with the glorious music of multi-award-winner Cy Coleman, Michael Stewart’s lyrics and Mark Bramble’s book. Barnum features a whole host of classic show tunes including Join the Circus, Colours of My Life, Come Follow the Band and Love Makes Such Fools of Us All.

Age guidance: 8+
Running time:
2 hours, 20 minutes (including 20 minute interval)
Show warnings: This show includes smoke, haze, gunshots, fire, loud noise, flashing lights, darkness, latex balloons and clowns, and contains depictions of racism, slavery and the exploitation of children and animals.

Tickets

DISCOUNTS*
£5 off* Under 16s
£5 off* 16-26 yrs and/or Students (with a free 16-26 & Student Loyalty Pass), and Curve Connect (Mon-Thu, price bands B-D only)
£25 tickets* Under 18s School Groups (Mon-Thu, price bands B-D only)
£3 off* Groups 10+ (Mon-Thu, price bands B-D only)
£4 off* Groups 20+ (Mon-Thu, price bands B-D only)
15% off for Loyalty Pass Holders and Supporters Scheme

 

ACCESS PERFORMANCES

Captioned: Wed 2 Sep, 7.30pm

Audio Described: Fri 4 Sep, 7.30pm with Touch Tour from 6pm

British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted:  Sat 5 Sep, 2.15pm

For more information about our Access Performances, please click here.

Access performances at Curve are kindly sponsored by voco Leicester and David Wilson Homes.

Credits & Acknowledgments

Music by Cy Coleman
Lyrics by Michael Stewart
Book by Mark Bramble

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