At recent gigs on his The Best Of Me tour, Lee had talked excitedly of 'big news' pending, a new theatre role for 2026 ... speculation had been rife amongst fans as to what this might be. That finally came to an end on 19 June with the announcement of a spectacular new UK tour of one of my favourite shows - Barnum - with Lee leading the cast.The tour opens at Theatre Royal, Windsor on 30 January 2026, with a further nineteen venues now announced and only a couple of gaps remaining in the schedule (which may not be filled), concluding in Lee's home town at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on 4 July 2026. Full details of Lee's dates, with booking links, are given below and I'll add any remaining dates as they're announced.
The musical, which shines a spotlight on the life and times of P T Barnum, features music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart and a book by Mark Bramble. Presented by Bill Kenwright Ltd, the production will be directed by Jonathan O’Boyle and choreographed by Oti Mabuse after the pair revived the show at the Watermill Theatre last year. Joining them in the creative team are Lee Newby (set and costume designer), Jai Morjaria (lighting designer), Tom Marshall (sound designer), George Dyer (musical supervisor, arrangements and orchestrations), Amy Panter (circus director), Matt Nicholson (associate choreographer) and Nick Lodge (associate sound designer).
Jenny Seagrove, chairperson of Bill Kenwright Ltd, commented:
"I was captivated when I saw Barnum at the Watermill Theatre last year and knew immediately that this was a show I wanted to bring to audiences across the country. Our spectacular new staging will feature an extraordinary ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians playing 150 instruments, acrobats and amazing international circus acts led by the wonderful Lee Mead playing the title role."
Sharing the news on his socials, Lee himself said:
"I'm so thrilled to finally announce that I'll be playing P T Barnum in a brand new UK tour of Barnum, opening February 2026! This is a dream role for me, and I can't wait to bring this incredible show to audiences all across the country.
My Grandad Bert and Nanny Lil, who are sadly no longer with us, would often remind me and the family of their unforgettable night seeing Michael Crawford in the original Barnum at the London Palladium. It stayed with them forever. I'll be thinking of them with every single performance.
I never imagined that playing the Ringmaster in a school production would one day lead to this. Stepping into the shoes of the Prince of Humbug himself. Booking is now open, can't wait to see you all under the Big Top!"
I too first saw Michael Crawford as P T Barnum in the original West End production (when Lee was still a babe in arms!) and I am both thrilled for Lee that he has landed this "dream role" and incredibly excited to see his take on such an iconic part.My Grandad Bert and Nanny Lil, who are sadly no longer with us, would often remind me and the family of their unforgettable night seeing Michael Crawford in the original Barnum at the London Palladium. It stayed with them forever. I'll be thinking of them with every single performance.
I never imagined that playing the Ringmaster in a school production would one day lead to this. Stepping into the shoes of the Prince of Humbug himself. Booking is now open, can't wait to see you all under the Big Top!"
An extension to the tour was announced today (5 September), with Matt Rawle taking over from Lee in the lead role, reprising the part he played in the original Watermill production. It opens in Newcastle (12-16 August) with further dates to be announced through to November 2026.
TOUR SCHEDULE
Published: 21/06/2025; last updated: 18/10/2025
