Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Barnum
Barnum
I am sure that you will love every minute of tonight's performance and I feel confident that this is a
production that you will remember for a very long time.
M.Tate
Synopsis:
In the middle of the 19th century, Phineas Taylor Barnum introduces his circus acts as he stands in front of a
tent, proclaiming, "There Is a Sucker Born Ev'ry Minute". He loves spectacle and excitement, using hype and
"humbug" to promote his exhibits. His wife, Charity, disagrees with his "humbug" but loves him and aims to
keep him grounded. Barnum then introduces the oldest woman alive, Joice Heth and, thanks to some Barnum
humbug, she becomes a success! His wife Charity urges him to get a job in a factory, but Barnum refuses and
Charity wryly accepts the disparity between their views.
Barnum enlists clowns to help build a museum for his attractions and it's up to Charity to encourage him to
keep going, with the result that, "everything about the museum was spectacular". However, the museum
burns down accidentally. Barnum finds a new star attraction, Tom Thumb, who appears to advise that, "Bigger
Isn't Better".
Barnum then becomes Manager of the famous Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind. He becomes besotted with
her and accompanies Jenny on tour, leaving Charity behind, as a marching band greets them. Although all
seems to be going well for Barnum, he finds that without Charity he is miserable. He decides to break ties with
Jenny and return home to the woman he loves!
Upon his return he promises to live the more sedate life Charity desires for him, in "Black and White." After a
failed stint running a Clockworks Factory and a failed attempt to build his own city, he turns to politics. When
his campaign looks doomed to fail due to lack of interest, Charity realizes how important his talents and
passion are and allows him to inject color and life into his campaign. He is elected Mayor of Bridgeport, and
the two of them recognize the value in each other's approach to life and how they complement one another.
Barnum is prepared to run for Senator, but his beloved Charity dies suddenly, leaving Barnum bereft and
alone!
When Barnum finds himself cheated of the Senatorial nomination by his political party, he laments his position
and realizes that his talent for Humbug will never leave him. James Anthony Bailey arrives and offers him the
chance to "Join the Circus". Initially resisting, he soon agrees… and they form the famous Barnum and Bailey
Circus!
CAST LIST
Barnum Joe
Charity Dayna
Joice Heth Abigail
Tom Thumb Alex
Jenny Lind Neve
Ringmasters Lewis
Sarah
Blues Singer Rebecca
Backing Singers Caitlin
Heidi
Ashton
Darcie
Bailey Taylor
Lyman Daniel
Amos Oliver
Mrs Stratton Tao
Mr Stratton Rhys
Goldschmidt Mitchel
Daniel
Wilton Abigail
Acrobats Emma
Owen
Suffragettes Nicki
Ella
Tallest Woman Fearne
Bearded Lady Ellie
Ribbons Anthony
Hoops Holly
Christopher
Poyes Emilia
Clubs Alisha
Alys
Aaron
Plates Travis
Pedal Boards Lily
Corey
Staffs Ellie
Ffion
Production Team
Helen John
Mair Pennington
Eve Jenkins
Sara Mays
Adam John
Michael Larkman
Dawn Noonan
Jodie Jones
Anne Cole
Steve Blackmore
Anthony Fletcher
Wendy Kent
Joseph George
Petra Stewart
Ashton Vickery
Joshua Dolloway
Jack White
Organised Kaos:
Nicola Hemsley
Asher Maurice
Madi Guilfoyle
Libby Benedek
Caitlyn Hutchinson
Band
Paul Lewis
Heidi Davies
Lisa Maddock
Jack Joy
Paul Bewen-Chappell
Glyn Davies
Jeff Rees
Lyn Rees
Make Up
Janette Donne
Millie
Seren
Becky Buckley