International NewsLondon Revival of Barnum Casts Its Leading PlayersPerformances begin November 25 at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
By
Andrew Gans
September 29, 2017
Initial casting has been announced for The Menier Chocolate Factory’s first major London revival of the musical Barnum.
Directed by Gordon Greenberg, the production will begin previews November 25 prior to an official opening December 5. The limited engagement will continue through March 3, 2018.
Barnum tells the story of P.T. Barnum, the Greatest Showman on Earth, who combines razzle-dazzle with charm and brass to sell “humbug” to cheering crowds.
The cast will be led by Marcus Brigstocke (Fully Committed, Spamalot) as P.T. Barnum and Laura Pitt-Pulford (Nell Gwynn, Parade) as Charity Barnum, with Tupele Dorgu as Joice Heth, Harry Francis as Tom Thumb, and Celinde Schoenmaker as Jenny Lind with Danny Collins, Eamonn Cox, Rosie Fletcher, Ainsley Hall Ricketts, Courtney Hows, Bethany Huckle, Philip Marriott, Dominic Owen, and Lucie-Mae Summer. Full casting will be announced shortly.
With music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart, and book by Mark Bramble, Barnum premiered on Broadway in 1980 co-starring Jim Dale and Glenn Close. The London production starred Michael Crawford.
The upcoming production will also feature choreography by Rebecca Howell, designs by Paul Farnsworth, musical direction by Alex Parker, circus direction by Scott Maidment, lighting design by Philip Gladwell, sound design by Gregory Clarke, and orchestrations by Chris Walker.
Greenberg co-wrote and directed the Broadway stage adaptation of Holiday Inn for Roundabout Theatre Company, Guys And Dolls in the West End, Working Off-Broadway, and Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well…