I have a small theatre-related confession to make…
I don’t like The Greatest Showman.
I know as a theatre fan that’s practically sacrilege, and I can appreciate the film in some ways but overall I just can’t get on board. I think the plot is weak and the characters' actions and reactions are frustrating.
If you didn’t know, the film starring Hugh Jackman is based on the original play, Barnum, first performed in 1980. So… for the record I am putting my thoughts on Barnum/The Greatest Showman plot/characters to the side for this review.
The Watermill have not held back for their summer musical. From the huge banners and bunting as you enter from the car park, to the circus-themed garden complete with tiger and sword throwing photo ops and hot dog stands. The amount of effort and love for this production is clear from every angle; on stage, back of house, front of house…
The cast shine in this production, with everyone oozing talents across multiple disciplines and instruments. PT Barnum (Matt Rawle) and his wife Charity (Monique Young) are both immediately engaging and endlessly charming on stage. Rawle breaks the fourth wall from the off, keeping you close by and in his good books, despite his character making some morally questionable decisions.
There are particularly high-energy renditions of There’s A Sucker Born Every Minute and Come Follow The Band. I particularly enjoyed Rawle’s speedy delivery of the tongue twister that is Museum Twist - move over Eminem - this is impressively fast lyrics!
Incorporated into the choreography is some seriously impressive aerial work on hoops and trapeze, as well as contrition and tumbling; not forgetting PT Barnum’s tightwalk rope at the end of Act 1. These tricks bring another level of excitement to the colourful production.
Oti Mabuse keeps the pace going with fun choreography throughout the production, working the dancers hard within the small space. The creative team managed to make the stage feel buzzy and alive yet never cramped despite a cast of 18 often flooding the stage donned with musical instruments or circus apparatus.
The only qualm I had with the production was the ending. There is an undeveloped slow monologue from Barnum in the final moments. Myself and others felt they should have ended on the big showstopper finale number rather than fizzled out with a scene that left audiences uncertain and confused. A minor point but it’s a shame not to end with a bang that is as explosive as the rest of the production. Overall it's a vibrant and immersive musical ideal for any family summer evening out.
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