Barnum - Watermill Theatre

Oti, not Motsi.

But honestly, give this a chance. What this tiny theatre did with LOTR last summer was truly amazing, and if they can work that magic again with Barnum, this will be a spectacular show!

Anybody at first preview tonight?

Wow. Second preview, so the cast and crew are still fine tuning things but this has the makings of an absolute smash all over it.

What a cast, led by the irrepressibly charismatic and energetic Matt Rawle as PT Barnum. The entire cast is fantastic - for acting as well as musicianship. Standouts for me aside from Rawle were Monique Young as a multi-dimensional Charity, Penny Ashmore as a brilliant (and often amusing) Jenny Lind, Tania Mathutin as Joice (stunning voice), Josh Barnett as James Bailey/Ringmaster - a pivotal role and he really drives the pace and performance. The circus performers are excellent, notably Kiera Brunton who is mesmerising on-stage.

There is so much that is great about this production - I wasn't keen when they announced it, but I'm so glad I went because it has the makings of a hit. On leaving, I overheard comments such as "...fantastic... outstanding...the best production I've ever seen at the Watermill...".

Oh, and Oti Mabuse's choreography is excellent - I've no idea how they manage it on that tiny stage.

For a second preview, it's in great shape. If I was giving notes I'd be wanting the sound sorted out as some vocals got lost to brass and drums - the drummers might need to drop it down a notch. Also, the end was messy - I couldn't work out if it was a tech/stage management hitch, or if it was just under-rehearsed, but I'd put my house on tonight's ending being reworked, as there was an audience ready to erupt with applause that wasn't quite sure if the show had ended.

The orchestrations are beautiful played by some really accomplished musicians. Two pianos/keys, numerous drums/percussion, whistles, flutes, piccolo, various sax, trombone, trumpet, glockenspiel, xylophone, double bass, euphonium.

This production is an absolute joy - the two hours flew by. What a cast, what a production. It'll be five stars by press night.

I know the feeling - I got home at midnight last night after a tedious drive on the M4 and M25 through roadworks etc.  All I can say is that it is worth it and I would return tonight if I could - it is such a joyful production with music that fills the whole theatre and grounds.  They need to work on building the atmosphere outside beforehand but I think that will probably happen during previews.  Inside the theatre it is an explosion of energy, colour, brilliant musicians and some excellent acting.  I looked around a few times last night and literally the whole audience was beaming.  Without being disrespectful to the average Watermill patron, I swear last night knocked twenty years off of some of the audience - this production can't fail to lift your spirits and make you smile.  It is every bit as good as The Lord of the Rings but in a very different way.  

Just got back from seeing this tonight.

This is excellent. First time seeing Barnum and I think the material is very lightweight, underwritten and has poorly aged. However, this production is a near prefect to how it could be performed in my opinion!

There is not a weak aspect here from the design and lighting to the direction and acrobatics. It looks beautiful and sounds fantastic. It will certainly have a good summer at the Watermill. I can also report that the ending has been fixed and worked very well tonight.

The pre-show in the garden is just not working at the moment though. A lot of the Watermill patrons do the pre theatre dining which means not many people are out in the garden before the show. Consequently, this makes the vibe quite flat. It also shows how difficult crowd work is. I think it might be beneficial to have a ringleader character giving a bit of charm and energy to make this aspect work. At the moment the pre-show doesn't add anything.

However, don't go for the "immersive" aspect. Go for the best of theatre craft on display here. Would certainly recommend.

Can a poll be added?

This was my third time seeing Barnum. The first was the Chichester Festival production which was underwhelming, the second was the Menier version which was seriously hampered by a piss-poor Marcus Brigstocke in the title role - probably the worst leading man in a musical I’ve ever seen. In contrast Matt Rawle was excellent last night, he really did have the charisma the part needs (and unlike Brigstocke he could do the tightrope walk.) The two female leads were also super - Monique Young had great chemistry with Rawle and Penny Ashmore was a funny Jenny Lind with an impressive coloratura voice and some nifty harp playing.

The whole thing looked marvellous on The Watermill’s tiny stage with lots of energetic activity and impressively inventive choreography. The pre-show entertainment was somewhat hampered by a typical British summer evening of torrential rain but they effectively brought much of it indoors.

So definitely the best Barnum I’ve seen by a long way. So why didn't I enjoy it that much?

Well…

It’s just not a very good musical and I’m surprised it gets revived as often as it does. The story doesn’t really engage you - it’s just a turgid retelling of Barnum’s life with no story arc at all and a feeble ending. Also, the score is not Cy Coleman’s best; nothing like as good as City of Angels or, especially, Sweet Charity.

But don’t let me put you off. If you love Barnum go see - it’s a great production and has a unique atmosphere, greatly enhanced by The Watermill’s wonderful ambience.

18 performers on that tiny stage. Wow. You get a lot bang for your buck.

The Guardian - THREE STARS

www.theguardian.com/stage/article/2024/jul/11/barnum-review-watermill-theatre-newbury-circus

I thought that - I saw the three stars at the beginning but by the end was like: "Oh, so you enjoyed it then..."

Saw this excellent production again this evening. Every bit as superb as it was in previews. Grab a ticket - well worth the journey!

So this is actor/musician as traditional there in Newbury, the Watermill Theatre doesn’t ask for much, an actor tightrope walking whilst playing the trombone - no doubt the actor has to dance on the tightrope also - that is a proper treble threat