Enjoy Celebrity Radio’s Brian Conley Barnum UK Tour Interview…
The national tour of Cameron Mackintosh and Chichester Festival Theatre’s production of Barnum opened last night at the Leicester Curve to a standing ovation.
This master-class in entertainment, Starring Brian Conley in the title role, alongside Linzi Hateley as Chairy, is without doubt one of the most polished touring productions in British history.
Cy Coleman’s 1980 Broadway musical follows the life of Phineas T Barnum, America’s “Greatest Showman”.
The score includes “Come Follow The Band”, “The Colours Of My Life” and “There Is A Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute”.
Here’s Alex & Brian’s Exclusive interview at Barnum UK Tour 2014:
This revival, directed by Open Air Theatre’s Timothy Sheader, was first seen at Chichester Festival Theatre’s temporary Theatre in the Park in July last year which received less than average reviews.
Average cannot be associated with this extraordinary, exciting and at times breath-taking production! 5*****
The circus is truly brought to town with the intricate artistry in this show. In-fact the pre-show is equally as fun with circus acts in the auditorium wowing the arriving crowds.
I must give credit to Linzi Hateley who stole the hearts as Chairy with her Broadway standard performance. She’s ‘got it’ – as simple as that. A tone and majesty to her voice that rightly crowns her one of the musical theatre’s world class leading ladies.
Hately created the role of Mrs Banks in Mary Poppins on stage and was nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance as The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Linzi most recently appeared in the National Theatre’s hit production of London Road, which is currently being adapted for the big screen.
The regions are doing so well at the minute with West End standard productions & calibre of talent touring the UK.
The poster of Barnum boldly boasts Conley as ‘The Greastest Showman On Earth’ in this role – he’s certainly in my view the greatest all-round entertainer in history with a comic timing second to none and voice that could only be admired, respected & applauded for his phenomenal on-stage abilities.
I’ve made no secret of my admiration for Brian Conley – he’s an Entertainment genius, an ‘old-school’ all-rounder who always knocks it out of the park with a power-house performance.
His on-stage presence, talent, charisma, enthusiasm and voice is second to none. He can only be admired.
Brian Conley’s recent West End credits include Hairspray and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He was nominated ror an Olivier Award for playing American showman Al Jolson in Jolson at the Victoria Palace.
I cannot think of another British performer who could have pulled off this mammoth performance so effortlessly, proficiently and brilliantly! He’s the epitome of a true Star.
Barnum tours through September 2015 – Find details at http://www.barnummusical.com/
Review by Alex Belfield for Celebrity Radio 11th September 2014
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