tech
Oh what a circus! The Greatest Showman hits the stage as a high-flying, hammer-juggling, banger-filled spectacular
The sleeper hit film has been transformed into a Disney stage show. But does it let exploitative huckster PT Barnum off the hook? We go behind the scenes of its launch run in Bristol
TL;DR
- The Greatest Showman, a hit film known for its soundtrack, has been adapted into a Disney stage musical.
- The production is premiering in Bristol as a tryout, with future plans unconfirmed.
- New songs have been added by original composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
- The stage musical stars Oliver Tompsett as P.T. Barnum and Samantha Barks as Charity.
- The production aims to celebrate individuality and the world of circus and theatre, framing Barnum's story as a fable.
- The show navigates the controversies surrounding P.T. Barnum's exploitative practices, stating it is not aiming for historical accuracy.
- The musical features ambitious staging, including a modified circus ring and sophisticated digital technology.
- Disney Theatrical Group is exploring the possibility of bringing original stories to the stage in the future.