Far from ring-rusty

BARNUM, Lowry, to Saturday

It doesn’t seem long since this Cameron Mackintosh revamp of the slight but entertaining story of PT Barnum was last with us — because it isn’t.

As is the nature of musicals in Manchester these days, the big ATG theatres, the Palace and Opera House, get most new productions first, followed by the Lowry a few months later.

The Palace had this one last November, but the pretty full house for the Salford run (the penultimate of the same national tour) reveals there remains plenty of vibrant interest in the show.

And why not? Mackintosh has had his people really do a number on the musical, and while it isn’t the brash, brightly-coloured powerhouse it was when Michael Crawford premiered it magnificently in the city in the 80s, it is almost equally enjoyable, if not exciting.

The sets are no longer harsh and bright but dark, rich and substantial, layered with coloured light. The script has been tightened, making what was originally a mess of scenes from the life held together as songs and circus acts, make much more sense and even take on an element of dignity and sadness at times.

But the main change it to the performances: Linzi Hateley as Charity Barnum is now a real character rather than a cartoon — though her career advice to her husband is completely off the mark most of the time.

Meanwhile Barnum himself — until this show an excitable man-child loving every minute of his energy-packed life, like the actors who have played him, is here laconic, knowing and a manipulator — much like the actor currently playing him, Brian Conley.

While offering a wonderfully on the mark but low-energy performance that amuses and delights in equal measure, Conley never quite becomes Barnum.

The circus, the wire walking (failed three times last night — well it is the end of the tour) the juggling and the fire-eating all seem to be things to get over with before it’s back to being Brian, charming his fans with the gruff voice, the almost-sung songs and charisma set to high.

It’s not nearly as exciting as the first touring production all those years ago, which was also much bigger in scale. But with Mackintosh in charge and Conley in the driving seat, Barnum is at least now a flowing musical, rather than a series of often ill-devised sketches.