Talented cast produce Circus tricks and Play Musical Instruments Galore
Barnum The Circus Musical
Congress Theatre, Eastbourne
From: Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24, October, 2026
Barnum lives up to its billing as a dazzling all-singing, all juggling circus musical – and was well received by the Congress Theatre audience when I went to Wednesday’s matinee.
A magnificent cast, led by Matt Rawle, delighted us with excellent vocals, playing 150 instruments from violin to accordion, and performing daring acrobatic tricks, including being suspended on hoops and ribbons. There’s even a life-sized walking elephant!
At times there was so much going on that it distracted from the singing, but the almost non-stop circus acts compensated for a thin story line provided by Mark Bramble’s book.
Rawle (Cabaret, Evita and Les Miserables) was magnificent as P.T. Barnum, the nineteenth-century American showman, whose huge ambition and skills enabled him to fulfil his dreams. Rawle follows in the footsteps of Michael Crawford, who starred in the original West End production of Barnum from June 11, 1981, to February 5, 1983, at the London Palladium – right down to the famous death-defying tightrope walk.
Monique Young brought out Charity Barnum’s frustration at her husband’s antics, while Penny Ashmore, as the elegant Jenny Lind, presented a challenge to Barnum. She also earned prolonged applause with her wonderful soprano voice and harp playing.
There were other excellent contributions from Ben Goffe as General Tom, and Dominique Planter in her two role – Joice Heth, the oldest woman in the world, and The Blues Singer.
Stand outs among the circus performers were Gianpaolo Candelaria, André Rodrigues, Emily Odunsi and Niki Tsonopoulou, who benefited from the circus direction of Amy Panter.
Cy Coleman’s music and Michael Stewart’s lyrics were upbeat, particularly Join the Circus, Colours of My Life, Come Follow the Band and Love Makes Such Fools of Us All.
The direction of Jonathan O’Boyle, choreography of Oti Mabuse and Matt Nicholson, and Lee Newby’s stage design helped create a carnival atmosphere in this presentation by Bill Kenwright and Watermill Theatre.
Barnum the Circus Musical is at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne until October 24, nightly at 7.30pm plus 2.30pm matinee on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Book now.
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Tony Flood spent most of his working life as a journalist, initially on local and regional papers and then on nationals. He was also editor of Football Monthly, Controller of Information at Sky Television and enjoyed a spell with The People before retiring in 2010.
He recalls: “My work as a showbiz and leisure writer, critic and editor saw me take on a variety of challenges - learning to dance with Strictly Come Dancing star Erin Boag, becoming a stand-up comedian and playing football with the late George Best and Bobby Moore in charity matches.
“Now I spend much of my time writing books, and theatre reviews and articles for online magazines Unknown Kent and Sussex and The Write Site. I recently retired from playing veterans football, having been one of the oldest - and slowest - players in the country!” Tony's first book was fantasy adventure SECRET POTION, which went to No. 1 in its Amazon category and has been recommended by other authors for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
His celebrity book, MY LIFE WITH THE STARS – SIZZLING SECRETS SPILLED! is full of anecdotes and revelations about showbiz and sports personalities, including Eric Morecambe, Elvis Presley, Kylie Minogue, George Best, Frank Sinatra, Joan Collins, Strictly Come Dancing stars, Muhammad Ali and Bobby Moore, with whom Tony worked.
The versatile Mr Flood then turned to writing in another genre with spicy crime thriller TRIPLE TEASE, endorsed by best-selling author Peter James, actor Brian Capron and The Sun newspaper's Stuart Pink. Following the success of TRIPLE TEASE, Tony wrote STITCH UP! – KILLER OR VICTIM? and FALL GUY.
In BEGGARS BELIEF compassionate copper DCI Harvey Livermore and his Major Crime Team are again trying to put a killer behind bars in a gripping, fast-moving story.
Tony has also co-written, with his wife Heather Flood, LAUGHS AND TEARS GALORE – STORIES AND POEMS WITH TWISTS!
Tony gives talks about the showbiz and sports stars featured in his celebrity book, as well as holding miniworkshops and giving advice on how would-be authors can write a successful book. Any groups wishing to contact him can email:
tflood04@yahoo.co.uk Tony is chairman of Anderida Writers of Eastbourne. The link for the Anderida website is:
www.anderidawriters.co.uk
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