A spectacular new UK tour of one of my favourite shows - Barnum - was announced on 19 June 2025 with Lee Mead leading the cast in the title role. Further casting is to be announced.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).
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
