Barnum in Leicester 2026

Barnum musical bursts into life with dazzling spectacle and heartwarming tales, captivating audiences from the very first note. Experience the magic at Curve Leicester in Leicester, UK, from September 1 – September 5, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary journey—grab your Barnum tickets today!

Barnum Leicester Tickets

Date	Time	Price	Tickets
Tue 01 Sep 2026	19:30	from £10.00	Tickets
Wed 02 Sep 2026	14:15	from £10.00	Tickets
Wed 02 Sep 2026	19:30	from £10.00	Tickets
Thu 03 Sep 2026	14:15	from £10.00	Tickets
Thu 03 Sep 2026	19:30	from £10.00	Tickets
Fri 04 Sep 2026	19:30	from £10.00	Tickets
Sat 05 Sep 2026	14:15	from £10.00	Tickets
Sat 05 Sep 2026	19:30	from £10.00	Tickets

Cast in Leicester

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: Curve Leicester

Barnum on Tour: Explore Upcoming Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Barnum playing in Leicester in 2026?

Barnum The Circus Musical runs at Curve Leicester from Tuesday 1 September to Saturday 5 September 2026, with performances across five days only. Evening shows are scheduled throughout the week, with additional midweek and Saturday matinees.

Where in Leicester is Barnum being performed?

The show is at Curve Theatre, in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter on Rutland Street. Curve is a short walk from Leicester railway station and close to city centre buses, car parks, shops, and restaurants, making it easy to combine the musical with a full night out.

What is Barnum the musical about?

Barnum tells the story of P.T. Barnum, the 19th‑century showman who turns quirky curiosities into a spectacular circus empire, selling “humbug” with charm, brass, and showmanship. The musical follows his partnership with his loyal wife Charity as his schemes and dreams carry them from modest beginnings to ever bigger spectacles, exploring the thrills and costs of always wanting more.

Has Barnum won any awards?

The original Broadway production of Barnum was a major hit and won several Tony Awards, including Best Actor in a Musical and design awards for its inventive staging and costume work. The 2024 Watermill Theatre revival on which this tour is based earned five‑star reviews for its imaginative blend of circus, actor‑musicians, and heartfelt storytelling.

Who stars in the Leicester run of Barnum?

At Curve Leicester, Matt Rawle stars as P.T. Barnum as part of the autumn 2026 leg of the tour. He leads an ensemble cast of over 20 actor‑musicians, acrobats, and circus performers who create the show’s big musical numbers and visual spectacle live on stage.

What can I expect from this Curve Leicester production?

This production features more than 20 actor‑musicians playing around 150 instruments live, alongside acrobats and amazing circus acts such as tightrope walking and juggling. Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle with choreography by Oti Mabuse and circus direction by Amy Panter, it combines classic musical theatre with bold contemporary staging and classic songs like Join the Circus, Colours of My Life, Come Follow the Band, and Love Makes Such Fools of Us All.

How long does the Barnum performance last in Leicester?

Performances at Curve typically run for just over two hours plus an interval, similar to other tour venues. For the Leicester dates, evening shows start at 7.30pm and matinees at 2.15pm, so arriving 45–60 minutes before curtain time gives you plenty of time to find your seat and get refreshments.

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 covers themes like ambition, exploitation, and personal sacrifice and includes some intense scenes, 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 Leicester?

During the Barnum week at Curve, evening performances are at 7.30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. There are also matinees at 2.15pm on Wednesday and Thursday, plus a Saturday matinee, so checking your chosen date on the booking calendar is important.

How can I get cheap tickets for Barnum in Leicester?

Ticket prices at Curve are usually banded, with cheaper seats in the upper levels and sides of the auditorium. To keep costs down, look at midweek matinees or Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, choose seats further back or higher up, and compare all price bands on the seating plan before booking.

Are there discounts or special offers for Barnum tickets?

Curve often offers concessions, group rates, and occasional special offers on selected performances, especially midweek. Joining Curve’s mailing list and checking trusted ticket outlets can help you hear about early‑bird discounts, presales, and short‑term promotions before the lowest‑priced seats sell out.

How do I get to Curve Theatre and is parking available?

Curve is a few minutes’ walk from Leicester railway station and is well served by local bus routes through the city centre. Several nearby car parks, including multi‑storey options around the Cultural Quarter, offer evening tariffs, and arriving a little early usually makes it easier to park and reach your seat comfortably before the show begins.

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