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In what was one of the worst-kept secrets in theatre, Disney finally confirmed a new stage adaptation of ‘The Greatest Showman’ in 2023. But who could’ve predicted that the world premiere would be taking place here in Bristol? Based on the 2017 smash-hit film, which tells the heavily fictionalised life story of P. T. Barnum, the new musical will debut at the Bristol Hippodrome in spring 2026.
What do we know about the new ‘The Greatest Showman’ musical?
‘The Greatest Showman’ comes to the Bristol Hippodrome from March 15 to April 8, 2026, starring Oliver Tompsett as P.T. Barnum. It also stars Samantha Barks as Charity Barnum, Lorna Courtney as Anne Wheeler, Ben Joyce as Phillip Carlyle, Vajèn van den Bosch as Jenny Lind and Malinda Parris as Lettie Lutz.
“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 Oliver Tompsett. “I’m so very fortunate to be surrounded by the most brilliant cast – Sam, Ben, Lorna, Malinda, and Vajèn – and can’t wait to begin the creative process with Casey and the team in the rehearsal room.”
The musical will feature many of the award-winning songs you know and love from the original movie, including ‘The Greatest Show’, ‘A Million Dreams’, ‘Come Alive’, ‘Rewrite the Stars’ and the Golden Globe-winning ‘This Is Me’. Plus, plenty of brand new songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen, and Disney’s Snow White) written especially for the musical.
‘The Greatest Showman’ will be directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award-winning Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Disney’s Aladdin, Mean Girls and Disney’s Hercules). The book is written by Emmy nominee Tim Federle (Ferdinand, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Tuck Everlasting).
Casey Nicholaw said today, “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.”
How do I get tickets?
Ticket pre-sale begins November 4, 2025, with fans of ‘The Greatest Showman’ encouraged to sign up now to be amongst the first to book here.
The post ‘The Greatest Showman’ Stage Musical To World Premiere In Bristol In 2026 – With Cast, Dates & How To Get Tickets Now Announced appeared first on Secret Bristol.
