Please note: I have aimed to minimise any potential spoilers in this review, but some elements of the production are referenced.
As I walked through Bristol on a rare day of UK sunshine and heat, the bold red The Greatest Showman sign immediately stood out as I approached the Bristol Hippodrome. I’d never visited this theatre before, but it’s one of those venues that proves exactly why travelling for shows is worth it.
The Hippodrome feels thoughtfully designed rather than overwhelming – detailed, traditional, and carefully laid out in a way that makes the experience feel considered before the performance has even begun.
For The Greatest Showman, you’re given a sticker to cover your phone camera before browsing the wide range of merchandise available to commemorate your visit. But even if you don’t buy anything, this isn’t a show you’ll forget.
Inside, the tiered seating offers a clear view of the stage from every angle, and the space itself becomes part of the experience.
And then the lights go down.
This is beyond any other theatre experience I’ve had. From the very first number, The Greatest Showman sets a tone that it never loses. There’s an immediate rush of energy and explosions of colour that give you genuine goosebumps, and that feeling doesn’t fade.
The show captures a rare kind of excitement, similar to a child visiting Disneyland for the first time, where everything feels bigger, louder, and more alive. Rather than peaking early, the production sustains that energy throughout.
A cast without a weak link
It’s unusual to watch a production where there’s nothing to question in the casting, but this is one of those rare cases where every performer feels exactly right for their role.
Oliver Tompsett leads as Barnum with complete control of the stage, balancing charisma and vulnerability with a powerhouse voice in a way that feels true to the character without ever slipping into imitation.
Alongside him, Samantha Barks delivers a performance as Charity Barnum that is genuinely difficult to fault. There’s a level of control and elegance to her presence, and during the tightrope sequence, it feels as though the production is pushing her to her limits, only for her to meet every demand with ease. It’s one of those moments where the audience falls completely silent, fully absorbed in what’s happening on stage.
Lorna Courtney brings both strength and grace to Anne Wheeler, creating a character who feels self-assured and grounded, while Ben Joyce offers a softer, more understated take on Phillip Carlyle, adding a beautiful dynamic to the central relationships.
And then there’s Max Bispham as young Barnum, who puts on a performance that feels like the beginning of something much bigger. There’s a natural confidence and presence that’s hard to ignore. Having previously seen him in 13 Going on 30 at Manchester Opera House, I can confidently say he is heading for big things. I genuinely think he could be the next Tom Holland-style success story – you’ve heard it here first!
Across the ensemble, there isn’t a single moment where the energy drops. Every movement feels precise, every interaction intentional, and no one is out of place. It’s the kind of show where I wish I could mention every cast member individually.
Music that builds into something bigger
The addition of new material blends seamlessly into the show, never feeling like an afterthought. The Show Goes On stands out in particular, carrying the same scale and emotional drive as fan favourites like From Now On and Come Alive, building into a full show-stopping moment that feels earned.
The music feels designed for the stage. Rather than replicating the film, it expands it, allowing the live setting to elevate the material. Bringing a film like The Greatest Showman to the stage is no easy task, but this production doesn’t just do it justice; it exceeds expectations.
An experience that fully immerses
What sets this production apart is how aware the cast are of the audience.
There are moments of direct connection — subtle eye contact, shifts in focus, performers using the full space — that make it feel immersive without ever becoming gimmicky. Suzie McAdam, in particular, brings this to life, creating small but effective moments where the audience feels acknowledged rather than separate.
The no-cameras approach adds to this, forcing you to stay present, to experience everything as it happens, as though you’re part of something special.
By the time the finale arrives, the transformation is complete. The theatre no longer feels like a traditional performance space. It feels alive, filled with movement, colour, and energy. It genuinely becomes the “greatest show,” not just in name, but in experience.
Final thoughts
Some productions are enjoyable in the moment, while others stay with you long after you’ve left the theatre. The Greatest Showman is firmly the latter.
It’s the kind of show you find yourself replaying on the journey home, with specific moments, performances, and songs returning long after the curtain has fallen. There’s a scale to it, but also a clarity in what it’s trying to achieve, and it delivers on that consistently from start to finish.
Everything works together: the casting, the music, the staging, and the venue itself. If anything, it serves as a reminder of what live theatre can be at its very best – immersive, emotive, and impossible to ignore.
The Greatest Showman at Bristol Hippodrome is, quite simply, the greatest show.
Tickets for The Greatest Showman have sold out but if any tickets become available, they will be released daily at 12pm or 4pm on ATG Tickets. Resale tickets may be available via Twickets
Kelsey Haslam is the founding editor of Magenta Adventures Travel Publication and a freelance travel writer with a focus on community-based travel, culture-led experiences, and theatre tourism. She is passionate about spotlighting lesser-known destinations and connecting travellers with meaningful, human-centred stories.
Her published work includes destination features and luxury hotel reviews for leading travel outlets such as A Luxury Travel Blog, Beau Monde Traveler, and Luxury Lifestyle Magazine.
Explore more about Kelsey’s background on the About Page.
