Barnum at Woking Theatre – a review

Last night we were invited* to Woking Theatre for the latest stop on the UK tour of Barnum, the colourful musical celebrating the life and showmanship of P.T. Barnum.  As big fans of the film, The Greatest Showman, we were already familiar with the story and curious to see how this would transform to the stage.  We were delighted to enjoy a show packed with circus spectacle, vibrant choreography, and an energetic cast, bringing a burst of Big Top entertainment to Surrey.

*I received tickets for Barnum at Woking Theatre, Woking in return for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Step right up…… the circus is in town!

Barnum is showing at Woking Theatre from Tuesday 19^th May to Saturday 23^rd May 2026

Click here to buy tickets.

The performance starts at 7.30pm and the running time is 2h 10m, including an interval. 

Barnum follows the extraordinary life of Phineas Taylor Barnum, the 19^th-century American showman with a unique talent for turning curiosity acts, oddities, and circus performers into a global entertainment empire.

The musical charts his rise from a small‑town dreamer to international showman, highlighting key moments in his life and exploring the complicated but enduring relationship with his wife, Charity.

Lee Mead takes the lead role as P.T. Barnum and is excellent throughout.  He is no stranger to musical theatre, having risen to fame after winning the BBC series Any Dream will Do and later starring as Joseph in the West End.  He brings his own charm, confidence, and impressive vocals to the role.

Monique Young plays Charity Barnum, his committed wife, who remains loyal despite his dubious business and personal decisions.  Her vocals are beautiful, and she brings a warm, emotional depth to the show.

Penny Ashmore shines as opera singer Jenny Lind, delivering a performance that fills the auditorium.

Click to find out more about Barnum the Musical and book tickets on the Woking Theatre website.

Barnum the Musical really is a feast for the eyes.  There is always something happening, and at times you don’t know where to look first.

As you might expect from a show about a circus, there are acrobatics, fire-eaters, and stunning aerial performers.  Add dancers, balancing acts, and a giant puppet elephant, and you could easily believe you’re under the Big Top.  The stage is bursting with talent and the flexibility of some of the performers was breathtaking.

The circus‑themed set by Lee Newby uses various levels, ladders, and platforms, giving the performers plenty of space to climb, swing and surprise the audience.  Lee Mead even completed an impressive tight-rope walk.

The musicians are on stage and between them play an astonishing number of instruments, from trumpets and violins to accordions and kazoos.  It adds a lively, travelling‑show feel that fits the story perfectly.

We had a fantastic evening at Barnum.  It’s colourful, energetic, and full of impressive circus skills that make it a joy to watch.

The cast work incredibly hard, and the combination of live music, acrobatics and choreography creates a lively, carnival‑style atmosphere. Although the songs are not as instantly catchy as in the film, the overall experience is great fun and perfect for anyone who enjoys big, bold theatrical entertainment.

As always, Woking Theatre is a brilliant venue,  easy to reach, comfortable, and a great size.

We’re lucky to have Woking Theatre on our doorstep, so we can see West End‑quality productions to Woking.  The theatre was full on a Tuesday night, creating a buzzing atmosphere.  The audience seemed to love the show and gave it a standing ovation.

As always, the theatre was well‑organised, comfortable and easy to access.  Parking is straightforward and there are plenty of places to grab food beforehand, making it a great choice for a midweek night out.