Dazzling, daring and full of life, Barnum is a circus spectacular.
You're not just a theatre audience — you're Phineas T Barnum's crowd of punters, being drawn in to his latest 'humbug' and watching his line-up of weird and wonderful acts.
Featuring a 160-year-old woman who claimed to nurse George Washington, Jumbo the Elephant, General Tom Thumb and a talented cast of circus performers — sometimes it was hard to know where to look, for fear of missing another fabulous sideshow.
Jugglers, acrobats and tightrope walkers welcomed us into Leeds Grand Theatre, balancing on seats, juggling in the stalls and gearing up the audience for an action-packed adventure.
Then on came Brian Conley, all smiles, jokes and joy — he lit up the stage, and while showman Barnum was clearly a dreamer, Conley's portrayal made you want his crazy schemes to bear fruit.
Without giving too much away, he pulled off stunts I never thought I'd see him perform!
Click below to watch the trailer
He was also fantastic in There is a Sucker Born Ev'ry Minute, and the Museum Song, while duets with wife Chairy (Linzi Hateley) benefitted from their undeniable on-stage chemistry.
While they led the show, the fantastic chorus of circus performers truly brought it to life. From backflips and handstands to the trapeze, daring stage dives and rope acrobatics, their routines were mesmerising.
It's a big show, full of colour, flashing lights, a fantastic multi-level set and instantly hum-able music. It's easy to lose yourself in the world of showbiz — just like Barnum did.
Which makes the poignant, tragic moments even more hard-hitting and raw.
But at its core, Barnum is pure fun and thrills. When Conley cries "Come follow the band!" it's hard to resist.
I guarantee you'll leave the theatre with a huge grin on your face — and a skip in your step.
Barnum is at the Grand until Saturday.
Tickets cost £21.50-£48.50 — book online or call the Box Office on 0844 848 2700.
