Seeing Barnum at the Liverpool Empire felt like watching a ring of pure theatrical spectacle come to life on Merseyside, and after catching the tour’s opening night in the city, it’s clear this production has only grown in confidence since Manchester (you can see our Barnum Manchester review here). From the moment the lights went up, the energy in the room was electric, with a full house ready to be dazzled.
About Barnum
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Barnum is a stage musical that first appeared on Broadway in 1980, bringing circus spectacle into mainstream musical theatre. With music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart, and a book by Mark Bramble, the show tells a theatricalised version of the life and career of legendary showman P.T. Barnum, blending fact with theatrical fantasy in a way that mirrors Barnum’s own gift for showmanship.
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Review of Barnum at The Liverpool Empire
From the opening number, the show grabs hold of the audience and doesn’t let go. The tightrope sequence was genuinely amazing, performed with a level of control and nerve that had the whole theatre holding its breath. It’s one of those moments where you almost forget you’re watching a show and not an actual high-wire act.
Vocally, the production was on top form. The singing throughout was awesome, full of warmth and power, and it’s easy to see why this score has stood the test of time. But the standout for us was the opera singer, who was simply incredible. That voice filled the whole auditorium effortlessly, and it earned one of the biggest rounds of applause of the night.
The Circus Elements and Visual Impact
The circus performers remain a major highlight, with strength work, balance sequences and acrobatics woven throughout rather than saved for a handful of set pieces. Combined with the vocal talent on stage, the overall effect last night was, quite literally, jaw dropping. There’s always something happening, yet it never feels cluttered or overwhelming.
It’s a colourful, confident, joyful couple of hours, and Liverpool audiences are in for a treat for the rest of the run.
Where Can You See Barnum
Barnum is showing at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday 19th September 2026, before continuing to New Wimbledon Theatre, Tue 29 Sep – Sat 3 Oct 2026.
Where you actually there on 16th. The theatre was a third empty and even emptier after the interval. Whilst I couldn’t say it was poor it was by no means close to the quality of the 1980s tour. We enjoyed our popcorn as overpriced as the cost of our seats