Barnum in Canterbury 2026
Barnum musical bursts onto the stage in Canterbury, where the extraordinary becomes reality! Experience the dazzling spectacle at The Marlowe Theatre from Sep 22 – Sep 26, 2026. This vibrant production promises to transport you to a world of wonder and delight. Don’t miss out on the magic—grab your Barnum tickets today!
Barnum Canterbury Tickets
| Date | Time | Price | Tickets |
| Tue 22 Sep 2026 | 19:30 | from £34.00 | Tickets |
| Wed 23 Sep 2026 | 14:30 | from £35.00 | Tickets |
| Wed 23 Sep 2026 | 19:30 | from £35.00 | Tickets |
| Thu 24 Sep 2026 | 14:30 | from £35.00 | Tickets |
| Thu 24 Sep 2026 | 19:30 | from £19.00 | Tickets |
| Fri 25 Sep 2026 | 19:30 | from £35.00 | Tickets |
| Sat 26 Sep 2026 | 14:30 | from £38.00 | Tickets |
| Sat 26 Sep 2026 | 19:30 | from £19.00 | Tickets |
Cast in Canterbury
Barnum The Circus Musical features a principal cast bringing to life the legendary showman P.T. Barnum and the key figures who shaped his story during the UK tour.
- Lee Mead as P.T. Barnum
- Matt Rawle as P.T. Barnum
- Monique Young as Charity Barnum
- Penny Ashmore as Jenny Lind
- Dominique Planter as Joice Heth
- Fergus Rattigan as General Tom Thumb
The Venue: The Marlowe Theatre
Barnum on Tour: Explore Upcoming Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Barnum playing in Canterbury in 2026?
Barnum: The Circus Musical runs at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from Tuesday 22 September to Saturday 26 September 2026. Evening performances are scheduled throughout the week with matinees on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Where in Canterbury is Barnum being performed?
The show is at The Marlowe Theatre, The Friars, Canterbury, CT1 2AS, in the city centre near the High Street. It is within walking distance of Canterbury East station and close to bus stops, car parks, shops, and restaurants, making it easy to plan a full night out.
What is Barnum the musical about?
Barnum tells the story of Phineas Taylor Barnum, the 19th‑century showman who turns modest curiosities into “the Greatest Show on Earth,” blending truth and “humbug” to dazzle crowds. The musical follows his partnership with his loyal wife Charity as his big ideas carry them from small‑town sideshows to legendary circus fame, exploring ambition, risk, and the personal cost of always wanting something bigger.
Has Barnum won any awards?
The original Broadway production of Barnum was a huge success and won several Tony Awards, including Best Actor in a Musical and design awards for its inventive sets and costumes. The more recent Watermill Theatre revival that inspired this tour earned five‑star reviews and was praised as “dazzling” and “a triumph of charm, ambition and ingenuity” by major critics.
Who stars in the Canterbury run of Barnum?
At The Marlowe Theatre, Matt Rawle stars as P.T. Barnum for the autumn leg of the 2026 tour. His credits include Cabaret, Evita, and Les Misérables, and he leads an extraordinary ensemble cast of over 20 actor‑musicians, acrobats, and circus acts.
What can I expect from this Marlowe Theatre production?
This production features more than 20 actor‑musicians playing around 150 instruments live, alongside acrobats and “amazing circus acts,” including Barnum stepping onto the tightrope. With music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart, and a book by Mark Bramble, audiences can expect classic songs like Join the Circus, Colours of My Life, Come Follow the Band, and Love Makes Such Fools of Us All, delivered with bold, contemporary staging by director Jonathan O’Boyle and choreographer Oti Mabuse.
How long does the Barnum performance last in Canterbury?
Performances run for about 2 hours 15 minutes plus an interval, according to the Marlowe’s listing. Evening shows start at 7.30pm, with matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, so arriving 45–60 minutes early gives time to find seats and get refreshments without rushing.
Is Barnum suitable for children and families?
Barnum is generally suitable for families with older children and teenagers, thanks to its circus‑style acts, music, and humour. Because it also explores themes such as ambition, exploitation, and personal sacrifice and includes some intense moments, it is best suited to school‑age children rather than very young kids, and matinee performances often feel most relaxed for family visits.
What time do Barnum performances start in Canterbury?
During the Canterbury run, evening performances begin at 7.30pm from Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 September. Matinees are scheduled for 2.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, so checking your chosen date and time on the booking confirmation is important when planning travel and meals.
How much do tickets cost and how can I get cheap tickets?
Tickets at The Marlowe Theatre are listed from £19 up to £82 depending on performance and seat location. To get cheaper tickets, look at midweek matinees or early‑week evenings, choose seats further back or higher up in the auditorium, and compare all price bands on the seating plan before you book.
Are there discounts or special offers for Barnum tickets?
Marlowe members can save money and access priority booking on Barnum performances, and the theatre sometimes offers multi‑buy deals across different shows. Group rates and coach‑trip packages are also advertised by tour operators, which can significantly reduce the per‑ticket price for larger parties.
How do I get to The Marlowe Theatre and is parking available?
The Marlowe Theatre is a short walk from Canterbury East and Canterbury West stations and is served by several bus routes into the city centre. Nearby car parks and evening parking options are available around the theatre, and arriving a little early usually makes it easier to find a space and reach your seat comfortably before the show begins.
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