Barnum

This musical is based on the life of Phineas Taylor (P.T.) Barnum over the period from 1835 through 1880, as he followed his belief that there is a sucker born every minute and, with the right amount of humbug, you can achieve wonders that people will pay to see. He is supported by the rationality of his wife, Chairy, as he introduces the oldest woman in the world, Tom Thumb, Jumbo the elephant and tours with Swedish opera singer, Jenny Lind. He runs for mayor of Bridgewater, and wants to be a Senator. When Chairy dies suddenly, he finally joins with James Bailey to form the famous circus which bore their names.

Director Theresa Kendal has amazingly brought the circus atmosphere to the Mousetrap stage, from the clowns greeting the audience to the mood, singing, acting and movement on the stage. Oh, there was no trapeze artist, but plenty of acrobats, jugglers and even Jumbo the elephant. The music was well controlled by musical director and pianist James Bovill ,but some of the soloists need more oomph. The large cast moved so very well on this small stage – a credit to choreographer, Tamara Jackson.

Jonathan Sweeper as Barnum and Karen Matthews as his wife Chairy were the solid rocks on which the production succeeded. They were both good but for a little weakness in some of the singing. Courtney Perkins as the ring master of the circus, and this play, was very good indeed. He later appeared as Bailey.  Fay Richards was an excellent “oldest woman”, while Rachel Harris sang and acted opera singer Jenny Lind.  The rest of the cast, including the large ensemble, interacted, sang and moved really well.

Mousetrap has brought off a good production of a challenging musical for a small theatre. Well done. Anyone going to the circus?

William Davies

Photographer: June Tretheway