A stage adaptation of the much-loved film *The Greatest Showman* is set to make its debut in London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane in spring 2027, as announced by Disney Theatrical Group on 14 August. This follows a successful world premiere engagement at the Bristol Hippodrome earlier this year, which saw tickets sell out quickly.
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The lead roles will be played by Oliver Tompsett, who will take on the character of P.T. Barnum—originally portrayed by Hugh Jackman in the 2017 film—and Samantha Barks, known for her role as Éponine in *Les Misérables*, will play Barnum’s wife, Charity Barnum. The stage production aims to explore Barnum’s life as he forges his own unique entertainment venture and gathers together an unusual cast of performers who come to form a tight-knit family.
Joining them in key roles are Ben Joyce as Phillip Carlyle, Vajèn van den Bosch as Jenny Lind, and Malinda Parris as Lettie Lutz. The characters were famously depicted by Zac Efron, Rebecca Ferguson, and Keala Settle in the film.
The announcement coincided with Disney’s D23 Expo, where Tompsett and his castmates gave a glimpse of what audiences can expect, performing “Come Alive,” a popular song from the movie’s soundtrack. The transition from film to stage has been highly anticipated, with Disney first revealing plans to adapt the film into a musical at the D23 Expo in August 2024, although no specifics about the cast or crew were shared at that time.
*The Greatest Showman* musical will feature songs by the accomplished songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who received numerous accolades for their work on the film. Their portfolio includes hits such as “The Greatest Show,” “A Million Dreams,” and the inspirational anthem “This Is Me,” which won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Academy Award. For this stage version, the pair will also introduce new songs tailored specifically for the theatre.
The film’s global success was unprecedented when it was released, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics. It grossed nearly £462 million worldwide, with its soundtrack becoming a massive cultural sensation, leading to it being named the best-selling album of 2018. Pasek and Paul’s music was pivotal to that success, with songs providing emotional depth and driving the film’s narrative.
Directing and choreographing the stage musical is Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw, known for his work on *The Book of Mormon* and *Mean Girls*. The production will also involve Alex Lacamoire, renowned for his work on *Hamilton*, as music supervisor. Lacamoire will oversee arrangements of incidental and dance music, contributing to the overall auditory experience of the show.
In addition, Lorenzo Pisoni will handle the circus elements and design, ensuring that the magic associated with the theatrical experience is central to the production. Special effects will be created by Jeremy Chernick and Skylar Fox is set to design illusions, enhancing the show’s fantastical elements.
Both Tompsett and Barks have extensive backgrounds in musical theatre, with Tompsett bringing experience from shows like *& Juliet*, *Pretty Woman*, and *Wicked*, among others. Barks, aside from her role in *Les Misérables*, has also starred as Elsa in the West End production of *Frozen* and had appearances in various other notable productions, including *Cabaret* and *The Last Five Years*.
The forthcoming show marks 20th Century Studios’ first adaptation for the stage since being acquired by Disney, indicating a new chapter for the studio, which previously produced the original film. Disney Theatrical Group has a celebrated history of transforming Disney films into successful stage productions, with numerous titles making the leap from screen to stage, including *The Lion King*, *Aladdin*, and *Frozen*.
As of now, details on the performance schedule and ticket sales for *The Greatest Showman* at Theatre Royal Drury Lane are expected to be released in the future, promising a thrilling addition to London’s illustrious theatre scene. The excitement surrounding this production foreshadows a memorable theatre experience for both new audiences and long-time fans of the original film.