The Greatest Showman is coming to the stage! Eight years after the film became a global phenomenon, the Disney Theatrical Group is bringing the musical to ATG Entertainment's Bristol Hippodrome in spring 2026.
With rehearsals set to commence, the Disney Theatrical Group has also announced the full cast and creative team this week, which includes West End legends Oliver Tompsett (Rock of Ages, & Juliet) and Samantha Barks (Les Misérables, Frozen).
Confirmed to play P.T. Barnum and Charity Barnum – roles originated by Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams in Michael Gracey's film – the pair have voiced their excitement.
"Roles like this don't come along very often, so it's an absolute privilege to be taking on this incredible character in the original company of The Greatest Showman," said Tompsett, who added that he "can't wait to begin the creative process with [director and choreographer] Casey [Nicholaw] and the team in the rehearsal room."
Echoing this sentiment, Barks raved: "I'm thrilled to be rejoining the Disney family to play Charity Barnum. There is something utterly magical about The Greatest Showman – the songs have become instant classics - and I'm so excited to partner with Olly to bring this incredible couple and their enduring love to life on stage."
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Also among the cast are Lorna Courtney (Anne Wheeler), Ben Joyce (Phillip Carlyle), Vajèn van den Bosch (Jenny Lind), and Malinda Parris (Lettie Lutz).
Meanwhile, Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw will take the helm, following his work on Dreamgirls, The Book of Mormon, Disney's Aladdin and Disney's Hercules.
As expected, the stage adaptation will feature the Grammy Award-winning songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, including fan favourites such as 'The Greatest Show', 'Rewrite the Stars' and 'This is Me', as well as their brand new songs, which have been lovingly created for the production.
Teasing what's to come, Nicholaw revealed: "It's an absolute joy to finally share our incredible cast with the world – led by the brilliant Oliver Tompsett and Samantha Barks.
"After an exhaustive search, we have gathered a group of artists whose talent will bring to life this fantastic story, with a theatrical new book by Tim Federle and the beloved score created by Pasek and Paul. Together with a world-class creative team, we are so excited to bring this story to life for the first time on stage."
The Greatest Showman will premiere at the Bristol Hippodrome from 15 March to 10 May 2026. Audiences are invited to sign up for access to priority booking at www.thegreatestshowman.co.uk.
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