Barnum!

...I think it was made for British television...and it is a live performance...and it actually captures that... and it is a show full of fun and engaging performances. It is one of those shows that you enjoy and then enjoy more each time you see it.

Most people know Michael Crawford as the Phantom of the Opera. Absolutely anyone who has heard or seen him in that (Or anything else for that matter!), and even remotely likes his work should see this movie at least once. Preferablely twice, or three times if possible. It's that good.

The movie is actually a live recording of the London stage show, and musical fans will be happy to know that it retains that feel. The whole show positively throbs with energy, due to the catchy music, the lively numbers involving circus acts, and the extremely talented cast. Michael, of course, is fabulous. His voice is wonderful, his acting is superb, and he even walks high wire. Is there anything this man can't do? The lady who plays his wife is a good singer, and acts in a nice, sincere way. You believe her when she plays her part. The rest of the cast is energetic and really help to bring the exciting numbers to life.

The story is nice too, romantic, fun, and surprisingly black and white. At least in my case, I find my self lost in the plots of several stage musicals. Here it's easy to know what's going on.

Watch this movie. I don't think I can put it any more bluntly.

I have only seen Barnum on tape and DVD and I loved it from the first moment. Michael Crawford is a splendid actor, and I wish I could have seen him in London, both as P T Barnum and as The Phantom! Everyone who loves musicals must not miss this one!!! One of the best things with it are all the things Michael Crawford does as P T Barnum. Things I didn't have a clue that he could do! It was really a big surprise and an even bigger treat. The other actors are also very talented. I love it when Sharon Benson sings the song Black and White. She has a wonderful voice and charisma. I wish there would be more musicals in the the world, but even then this would be among the top three!!!

Barnum is an amazing circus musical that stars one of Musical Theatre's finest... Michael Crawford!! This life story of Barnum is filled with beautiful songs and great acting. It was filmed right on the London Stage, so it is almost as if you are there. :o) Next to Phantom of the Opera, I would have to say that this is one of Michael's greatest performances (much better than Jim Dale's Barnum)! Some of my favorite songs include: Color's of My Life, I Like Your Style, Museum Song, Out There, The Prince of Humbug, Join the Circus, Thank God I'm Old, etc.

In the early eighties my wife & I lived in Kensington and got tickets for this show for my mum & dad who were also staying with us. We arranged to pick them up after the show, meeting them in a lovely old pub to the left hand side of the theatre. I can't imagine my now being able to drive and park there now. Indeed, the pub has been demolished to make way for a development called Nova Victoria . . . So ugly it was voted the worst new building of 2017 in London.

SO - The story starts now - we were all in the pub with who should walk in but Michael Crawford with some fellow show colleagues. My mum said "I must go and tell him how marvellous he was in the show". I said "hmmm might be a good idea he looked a bit exhausted and may just want a bit of peace & quite" But mum trots over and Michael turns to my mum and I still remember seeing his lovely warm smile and he was so polite. What a generous and kind man he is.