Roll up, roll up! After an absence of more than ten years from the Merseyside stage, Cy Coleman and Michael Stewart’s critically acclaimed musical Barnum finally returns to light up the Liverpool Empire from Tuesday 15 September to Saturday 19 September.
For a city built on a rich heritage of vibrant street performance, the arrival of Cy Coleman and Michael Stewart’s Tony Award-winning production offers local theatregoers a rare fusion of theatrical stagecraft and impeccable circus art. Staged at the iconic Lime Street venue, the show brings to life the chaotic and colourful life of P.T. Barnum, the 19th-century entrepreneur who created a global show business.
Unlike traditional musical theatre, Barnum blurs the line between the stage and the big top. Audiences at the Liverpool Empire can expect breathtaking acts performed live alongside iconic songs such as “Come Follow the Band” and “The Colors of My Life.” At its heart, the show is a deeply human story as it explores the tension between Barnum’s urge to dazzle the audience and his wife Charity’s desire for a grounded, quiet existence.
With its combination of acting, live music and live circus acts, the show promises to be one of the most thrilling and visually stunning theatrical events to hit the Liverpool Empire this autumn.
The plot
Set in the mid-19th century, the musical follows showman P.T. Barnum as he gathers the public under his big top, relying on hype and “humbug” to promote his spectacle. While his wife Charity is more grounded than he is, she still supports his career and his dreams.
With the help of some clowns, Barnum creates a spectacular museum featuring never-before-seen acts. When the museum accidentally burns down, he finds two new stars – Tom Thumb and Jumbo the elephant – and becomes the manager of Jenny Lind, a famous Swedish opera singer. Swept up in a romantic affair with her during the tour, Barnum leaves Charity behind. After some time, despite the tour’s huge success, he realises that his life is meaningless without Charity. Breaking ties with Jenny, he comes back home to live a quieter life.
Barnum later ventures into politics. Recognising how important his passion is to him, Charity encourages him to inject colour and life into his campaign. Elected Mayor of Bridgeport, the two realise how important they are to each other’s lives. Tragically, Charity dies and political betrayal leaves him alone.
Embracing his true passion, Barnum joins James Anthony Bailey to form the famous Barnum & Bailey Circus, carrying on his colourful legacy and honouring his late wife’s memory.
Tickets for Barnum are now available at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/barnum/liverpool-empire/calendar/2026-09-15
Barnum – Performance Schedule
Liverpool Empire 1 Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE, UK
· Tuesday 15 September at 19:30
· Wednesday 16 September at 14:30 and 19:30
· Thursday 17 September at 14:30 and 19:30
· Friday 18 September at 19:30
· Saturday 19 September at 14:30 and 19:30
Age Restrictions
Age guidance: 8+. Strictly no under 3s. This show includes smoke, haze, gunshots, fire, loud noises, flashing lights, darkness, balloons and clowns, and depicts racism, slavery, and exploitation of human and animal performers in the 19th century entertainment industry.
