samantha barks and oliver tompsett to lead the greatest showman in west end

Samantha Barks and Oliver Tompsett to Lead The Greatest Showman in West End

ByCarla Oliver

The West End transfer of The Greatest Showman has confirmed its initial cast, with Samantha Barks and Oliver Tompsett taking the lead roles. The production, which previously previewed in Bristol, is set to open next spring, drawing attention for its acclaimed creative team and new stage adaptations.

The Greatest Showman’s West End run will star Oliver Tompsett as P T Barnum and Samantha Barks as Charity Barnum. The show, having had previews earlier this year at Bristol Hippodrome, officially announced its casting following a special performance at the D23 event in Anaheim.

Joining Tompsett and Barks are Ben Joyce as Phillip Carlyle, Vajèn van den Bosch as Jenny Lind, and Malinda Parris as Lettie Lutz. Further casting details are yet to be confirmed.

The production brings fresh material to the stage, featuring songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who return with familiar numbers alongside new compositions created specifically for this adaptation. Tim Federle’s book aims to capture the spirit of theatre and show business, combining with direction from two-time Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw.

The creative team includes notable industry figures such as music supervisor and orchestrator Alex Lacamoire, set designer David Korins, and costume designers Gregg Barnes and Sky Switser. Natasha Katz provides lighting design, with Peter Hylenski on sound and George Reeve handling video design.

Additional contributors include circus creator Lorenzo Pisoni, hair and wig designer Josh Marquette, make-up designer Milagros Medina-Cerdeira, and special effects designer Jeremy Chernick. Illusions are designed by Skylar Fox, with casting led by Natalie Gallacher CDG and children’s casting by Keston & Keston. Acrobat casting is overseen by The 7 Fingers.

Anne Quart and Andrew Flatt of Disney Theatrical Group highlighted the collaborative nature of the production, emphasising the combination of returning songwriters, fresh creative input, and a star-studded cast. Interviews with Tompsett and Barks conducted at Anaheim are set to be published shortly.

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Carla Oliver

Clara is a London-based theatre writer who creates clear, practical West End guides. She helps readers compare shows, understand seating and timings, and save money on tickets. On MusicalsAndTickets, she focuses on family-friendly hits and long-running favourites, offering straightforward, research-based advice for booking with confidence.

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