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The story is that of Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810-91) who ‘humbugged’ his way through life, written by Mark Bramble, Michael Stewart and Cy Coleman.

It premiered on Broadway in 1980, where it starred Jim Dale as Barnum, it came to the London Palladium the following year with Michael Crawford who estblished himself, and the show, as box office gold.

In the current revival, Lee Mead takes the titular role. He has enjoyed a distinguished career in musical theatre after winning the television talent show Any Dream Will Do. He went on to enjoy a short lived marriage with Denise Van Outen- how much luck does any man need?

The show is predicated on spectacle that is delivered in spades. It is a visual extravaganza with the circus sequences expertly expounded , the costuming a cornucopia of colour and styles designed by Lee Newby. Mead inevitably dominates but is ably accompanied by. Monique Young is believable as Barnum’s wife, Charity. Penny Ashmore, as opera singer Jenny Lind with whom Barnum falls in love, is convincing as a Swede and vocalist. Fergus Rattigan entertains as Tom Thumb.

Dominique Planter, as Joice Heth, the ‘oldest woman in the world’ and one of Barnum’s first “humbugs”, sings brilliantly channelling her inner Ella Fitzgerald. the music is played by the ensemble on stage playing over 150 musical instruments during the course of the show, including mass Kazoo in effort, the Sousaphone for “Come Follow The Band” at the start of Act Two, and the harp beautifully played by Jenny Lind/Penny Ashmore.

Oti Mabuse’s choreography is busy and omnipresent, Lee Newby’s multilevel circus-themed set is copiously utilised and Jai Morjaria’s lighting is dazzling. The circus element is assisted by by Zippo’s Circus and the National Centre for Circus Art.

But for me the show was style over substance. After the initial visual impact the first half at almost an hour and a quarter dragged , ghe shorter fifty minute second half was much stronger. Considering that there were thrre writers, the narrative was poor, lacking pace, drama and conviction. The American backdrop was out of touch with the prevailing anti American zeitgeist. As a child I was lucky enough to see the Barnum and Bailey three ring circus in America, that childhood awe is now long since tarnished. I would not see it again. These days a mass standing ovation is almost de rigeur for shows, on Friday night it was limited to polite applause.