Theatre News

Laura Pitt-Pulford, Marcus Brigstocke and further cast announced for Barnum revival

Marcus Brigstocke will take on the role of legendary circus figure PT Barnum

Marcus Brigstocke, Laura Pitt-Pulford and Celinde Schoenmaker
Marcus Brigstocke, Laura Pitt-Pulford and Celinde Schoenmaker
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

Marcus Brigstocke and Laura Pitt-Pulford will star in Barnum when it opens at the Menier Chocolate Factory in December.

Brigstocke, who last year starred in Oklahoma! at the Royal Albert Hall, will take on the role of legendary circus figure PT Barnum, while Pitt-Pulford stars opposite as Charity Barnum. Pitt-Pulford's previous credits include the titular role in the UK tour of Nell Gwynn and the role of Milly in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Also announced are Tupele Dorgu (Joice Heth), Harry Francis (Tom Thumb), Celinde Schoenmaker (Jenny Lind), Danny Collins, Eamonn Cox, Rosie Fletcher, Ainsley Hall Ricketts, Courtney Hows, Bethany Huckle, Philip Marriott, Dominic Owen and Lucie-Mae Summer.

The musical tells the story of PT Barnum, also known as the Greatest Showman on Earth. The score includes "Come Follow The Band", "The Colours Of My Life" and "There Is A Sucker Born Ev'ry Minute".

The show will be directed by Gordon Greenberg (Guys and Dolls) and will have choreography by Rebecca Howell, design by Paul Farnsworth and musical direction by Alex Parker.

Cy Coleman, Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble's Tony Award-winning musical opened on Broadway in 1980, before receiving a West End premiere a year later starring Michael Crawford. The show was performed at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2013, and there was a touring production in 2014/15 starring Brian Conley and Linzi Hateley.

Barnum runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory from 5 December to 3 March, with previews from 25 November.