The new production of the Olivier and Tony award-winning musical Barnum will run from 2 July – 8 September at The Watermill Theatre.
Featuring music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart, and a book by Mark Bramble, directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, with choreography by Oti Mabuse, and featuring an ensemble cast of actor-musicians and circus performers, this sensational show will take over The Watermill site with the wonders and delights of Barnum’s circus.
In this Behind the Curtain interview I got to speak to one of the shows stars
Monique Young to find out more...
For those who are not familiar with the show, could you tell us what ‘Barnum’ is about?
Yes of course, Barnum is about a man called Phineas Taylor Barnum who is based on a true person known he was most famous for creating the show Barnum and Bailey Circus. This story follows his career and relationship with his wife Charity ‘Chairy’ Barnum starting off building a museum, to Jenny Lind to ending up in politics and how he humbugs his way through his life to get where he is.
Who is your character in the show and even though this is a well known show how are you putting your own take on your character, in this new production?
I play Charity Barnum also know as ‘Chairy’ the wife of PT Barnum, she is force to be reckon with and supports her husbands dreams even if she doesn’t necessarily agree with them it’s a big obstacle that she tackles throughout the show. Something focused on is the playfulness between there relationship she can play him at his own game as well as being strong with her own decisions in life.
How does it feel to revive this classic musical this summer?
It’s a lot of fun, the music of CY Coleman is pure showbiz as well as being simply beautiful and doing it here at the Watermill is so special, you really feel so immersed in it the minute you enter And what should the audiences expect from this production of the show? You will have never seen a production of Barnum ever done like this before not only it being Actor- Muso but creating a big top in theatre, I think expect the unexpected as this show offers everything and more and this company is extraordinary.
Was there a show that started your love of Theatre? If so, what show and why?
I remember the first Musical I watched was The Lion King when I was 8 years old, it was incredible the puppetry, the dancing, the music!! I was in absolute awe and couldn’t stop singing the songs and talking about it
(Photo Credit: Pamela Raith Photography)
How did you get into the Musical Theatre industry?
When I was 13 years old a dance teacher of mine suggested I should Audition for Tring Park School for the Performing Arts which is based in Hertfordshire, I’d never heard of it so looked online straight away had no idea you could go to a school and train in Musical theatre so applied to the audition and got in, couldn’t believe my luck and attended for 5 years and then went to Drama School at ArtsEd for 3 years which is how I ended up with an agent. And why did you want to become a performer? I could be whoever I wanted to be and love telling stories
What would you say is your biggest drive when performing?
Is telling stories and exploring new characters and learning from the incredible people get to work with I learn from them the most it’s very in inspiring And what is one piece of advice you would give aspiring performers? Work hard and keep taking class you can really never stop learning and also be a lovely person while you do it.
What are you excited and nervous about starting rehearsals? Nervous and excited about the challenges ahead. And how do you think the experience will change once you have an audience?
It’s great having a wonderful audience, it’s one of those shows which really needs an audience as we feed of the crowd throughout.
Did you have to learn any new skills for this show?
We had some juggling lessons which was great, I wouldn’t say I’m amazing at it but I can juggle now which is awesome! Also playing the Flute in the show after 13 years so that’s been a fun challenge to re learn again and my first Actor- Musician so am in awe of every single human playing all the instruments As I know the show includes actors-musicians and circus performers!
Is there a favourite song or scene from the show for you?
One of my favourite songs is The Museum song firstly it’s probably one of the wordiest songs in the show and Matt Rawle who plays PT Barnum is extraordinary at it and he plays the piano at the same time I mean c’mon!!! I also love seeing everyone onstage having such a fun time. And Favourite scene is on the steps of city hall it’s such an intimate scene where we see the journey of the relationship of Taylor and Chairy and first time it feels time stands still for a moment.
Describe the show in one sentence or three words.
Exciting, daring and entertaining!!!
Barnum will run from 2 July – 8 September at Newbury's The Watermill Theatre
(Photo Credit: Pamela Raith Photography)
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