A greater showman than Trump

Barnum
Watermill Theatre, Newbury, until September 8

The Republican convention reminds us that a certain section of America will always be captivated by a larger-than-life showman. Still, the idea of trying to shoehorn a show as big, bold and American as Barnum into a theatre quite as tiny and quintessentially British as the Watermill Theatre in Newbury, Berkshire, seems on the face of it perverse.

The director Jonathan O’Boyle clearly relishes a challenge, however, and his bonsai Barnum feels a lot bigger than it actually is thanks to Lee Newby’s resourceful set design that extends out into the auditorium.

In the title role as the legendary American showman, Matt Rawle is suitably larger than life and Monique Young affords him a fine foil as his long-suffering wife, Charity.

The assured production boasts an unusually strong ensemble cast with Charis Alexandra, Fergus Rattigan, Andre Rodrigues, Dan Holland and Kaine Hatukai all bringing particular bursts of energy in a variety of roles. The music and lyrics by Cy Coleman and Michael Stewart are performed with gusto under George Dyer’s musical direction.

Both the Watermill – after Calum Finlay’s excellent play Fanny – and O’Boyle – after Cruel Intentions – are on rolls, and I doubt there’s a more exuberantly entertaining show playing anywhere else in the country.