Barnum!

A film of a stage show, which suffers from the static-ness of the camera. This probably works well as a stage show, when the atmosphere sweeps you up, but I found the jokes a bit flat, and that went for much of the show. It wasn't bad - just didn't really suck you in.

This is one of Cy Coleman's best musicals in a stunning production. The only drawback is the shoddy DVD packaging which has no information about the cast, the songs, the production, nothing. But the DVD is a must-have for musical fans. Michael Crawford is superb as Barnum, the cast is his equal and the staging is magnificent.

In the early eighties my wife & I lived in Kensington and got tickets for this show for my mum & dad who were also staying with us. We arranged to pick them up after the show, meeting them in a lovely old pub to the left hand side of the theatre. I can't imagine my now being able to drive and park there now. Indeed, the pub has been demolished to make way for a development called Nova Victoria . . . So ugly it was voted the worst new building of 2017 in London.

SO - The story starts now - we were all in the pub with who should walk in but Michael Crawford with some fellow show colleagues. My mum said "I must go and tell him how marvellous he was in the show". I said "hmmm might be a good idea he looked a bit exhausted and may just want a bit of peace & quite" But mum trots over and Michael turns to my mum and I still remember seeing his lovely warm smile and he was so polite. What a generous and kind man he is.

Most people know Michael Crawford as the Phantom of the Opera. Absolutely anyone who has heard or seen him in that (Or anything else for that matter!), and even remotely likes his work should see this movie at least once. Preferablely twice, or three times if possible. It's that good.

The movie is actually a live recording of the London stage show, and musical fans will be happy to know that it retains that feel. The whole show positively throbs with energy, due to the catchy music, the lively numbers involving circus acts, and the extremely talented cast. Michael, of course, is fabulous. His voice is wonderful, his acting is superb, and he even walks high wire. Is there anything this man can't do? The lady who plays his wife is a good singer, and acts in a nice, sincere way. You believe her when she plays her part. The rest of the cast is energetic and really help to bring the exciting numbers to life.

The story is nice too, romantic, fun, and surprisingly black and white. At least in my case, I find my self lost in the plots of several stage musicals. Here it's easy to know what's going on.

Watch this movie. I don't think I can put it any more bluntly.

I have only seen Barnum on tape and DVD and I loved it from the first moment. Michael Crawford is a splendid actor, and I wish I could have seen him in London, both as P T Barnum and as The Phantom! Everyone who loves musicals must not miss this one!!! One of the best things with it are all the things Michael Crawford does as P T Barnum. Things I didn't have a clue that he could do! It was really a big surprise and an even bigger treat. The other actors are also very talented. I love it when Sharon Benson sings the song Black and White. She has a wonderful voice and charisma. I wish there would be more musicals in the the world, but even then this would be among the top three!!!