Barnum
Location: Liverpool Empire
Barnum – the Circus Musical begins its first UK tour in over a decade in 2026. Coming to the Liverpool Empire from 15th – 19th September 2026.
Step right up and enter the dazzling world of P.T. Barnum. Where imagination and ambition know no bounds. Hand in hand with wife Charity. Barnum’s life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights.
West End favourite and TV star Lee Mead will take centre stage as the legendary 19th century showman P.T. Barnum. Lee shot to stardom with his breakout win on Any Dream Will Do and acclaimed performances in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wicked, and Legally Blonde.
This spectacular new staging will feature an extraordinary ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians playing 150 instruments, acrobats and amazing circus acts. Audiences are certain to delight at every sight, wonder and miracle that the name Barnum stands for!
It’s famous tightrope scene
Barnum first took the UK by storm when it played the London Palladium, with Michael Crawford making theatrical history with a death-defying nightly tightrope walk across the stage. And now, Lee Mead steps into Barnum’s shoes and on to the tightrope!
Come follow the band with the glorious music of multi-award-winner Cy Coleman, Michael Stewart’s lyrics and Mark Bramble’s book. Barnum features a whole host of classic show tunes including Join the Circus, Colours of My Life, Come Follow the Band and Love Makes Such Fools of Us All.
*Please note: Matt Rawle will perform in Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Wimbledon, and Torquay shows. Casting will differ for other tour venues.
Music by Cy Coleman | Lyrics by Michael Stewart | Book by Mark Bramble
Tickets are on sale now for Barnum and will start at £15.00 for the cheapest seats and go up to £91.00 for the most expensive. The first performance will be on the 15th September 2026 and the last show will be on the 19th September 2026. Get your tickets today!
