Barnum the musical traces Phineas Taylor Barnums career from 1835 to 1881 when he joined James A. Bailey to form the circus which was called The Greatest Show on Earth. Barnum is a defender of "the noble art of humbug" with a philosophy, and a free wheeling ambition to make a fortune. He buys the oldest woman in the world named Joice Heath as a sideshow attraction. Barnum builds a museum of curiosities supported by his wife Charity, who would like him to settle down. As the years go by Barnum looks for new attractions until he finds Jenny Lind, a beautiful Swedish soprano for whom he leaves Charity to tour with Jenny but his heart is still with Charity to whom he returns. He takes a job in a clock factory before being persuaded by Charity to enter politics. His colourful campaign leads to him becoming Mayor, Charity dies and he leaves this lifestyle to join James Anthony Bailey. together they create the biggest circus in the world. Performed at the Civic Theatre, Chelmsford in 2005.

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