2016 - Barnum

'Barnum' traces the life of Phineas Taylor Barnum's career from 1835 to 1881 when he joined James A. Bailey to form a circus called The Greatest Show on Earth. Barnum is a defender of "the noble art of humbug" with a philosophy, and has a freewheeling ambition to make a fortune. He buys the oldest woman in the world, named Joyce Heath, as a sideshow attraction. Barnum builds a museum of curiosities supported by his wife Charity, who would like him to settle down.

Supported by an array of colourful characters, including Tom Thumb Jenny Lind and we follow Barnum on his journey to fame and fortune.

Written by Mark Bramble, lyrics by Michael Stewart, and music by Cy Coleman, Barnum features some show stopping numbers including, Black and White, The Colours of my Life, Come Follow the band and One Brick at a Time.

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"Please congratulate all once again so so brilliant  thank you for invite to be a part of the  moment."

"Spectacular! Brilliant beyond belief.  So many highlights: the dancing 160 year  old. The clock  dance sequence.  Tom Thumb.  Matthew. The elephant.  Sam and Charlotte's acting and  singing.  Emily's Swedish Songbird learning English and singing Opera! The set ! The costumes!  The clowns, the acrobats, the jugglers, the costumes. Rowan the ring master with the bloody  knee. Emma and Jennifer singing the blues. Alistair McPherson's solo. The band.  The dancers.    The stage crew.  Total professionalism.  The ice creams weren't bad either.  Rearrange your  diaries and come and see the greatest show in town! "

"Yet again, I come away from a school show astounded by the talent in our school. Such a team  effort - from 1st years, through to 6th years, staff and right through to depute head all taking  part and producing something totally unforgettable. The amount of time, hard work and sheer  dedication and commitment that goes into such a show is just incredible! I am full of  admiration for all those involved - yet again creating memories that these children will keep for  a lifetime. To my colleagues I would say that if by any chance you are still able to make the  show tonight or tomorrow, I would strongly encourage you to go - it really does help you forget  all the stresses and difficulties that we have to go through on a daily basis and takes you to a  different world.... a circus..."

"The quality of every aspect of the performance, music and crew was just amazing! I was so  impressed (again) with the hard work, commitment and talent of all involved! If you can get  along to see it, please do - you won't be disappointed. Best night of the school year bar none!"

"Just wanted to say a big WELL DONE and thanks for all your hard work towards an amazing  performance of Barnum. There was so much to it, so many strands to weave together, all  accompanied by a professional sounding orchestra. The clever scenery, the stage and lighting  crew, the dancing, the circus skills, the acting, the convincing American accents, the choruses,  and of course the soloists, some of whom were quite shy only a year ago and have totally come  into their own now. We were SO impressed by it all."