Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Empress Museum, London
Cast: Simon Bailey, Aaliya Mai, Jaz Ellington, Charlotte-Hannah Jones, Whitney Martins, Fallon Mondlane and Giovanna Spano
‘COME ALIVE!’ is the brand new CIRCUS SPECTACULAR now playing in London’s Earls Court. Season extended due to popular demand - now booking to 30 March 2025
Inspired by the 20th Century Fox Motion Picture The Greatest Showman. Story by Jenny Bicks. Songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
Come Alive! promised to be a theatrical spectacular like no other - but does it deliver? Ladies and gents (and non-binary folk), this is the moment you've waited for...
Come Alive! fuses theatre and circus together to make a one-of-a-kind event like London has never seen. It's unique in its ability to combine two of the most exciting forms of art and entertainment and deliver a show that's full of drama, skill, beauty and grace.
The venue is nothing short of magnificent and the Empress Museum has now found its home in London's Earls Court. As soon as you enter the building, you immediately feel like you've been transported to a giant circus tent. There's brilliant interaction before the show with cast members giving glimpses of their performances, as well as a host of photo opportunities with set pieces like a psychic tent, dressing tables and giant elephants (to name but a few!). The theming is expertly done and I'd allow an hour or so if you have the Empress tickets as I did, as there was just so much to see - including plenty of food and drink to enjoy from multiple bars and vendors.
Before starting the review it's worth noting that I'm not a huge fan of The Greatest Showman but I genuinely believe whether you're a casual fan like myself or a hardcore supporter, there's something for everyone. While it's pitched as "The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular", besides the music there's not much similarity to the film itself.
It's difficult to pick out a standout performance as the entire pre-show and show itself is simply spectacular; there really is no other word for it. There's not a single moment or set that's not breath-taking to witness. From fire acts, to aerial acrobatics, to hair hanging, to tightrope walking - there's always something to see. I personally really enjoyed Antino Tisson Pansa's tightrope walk which felt almost hypnotic to watch. I had the chance to chat to Daniel Luengo in the pre-show and he was so lovely, so it was brilliant to see his acrobatics in action, which were mesmerising.
Simon Bailey leaves the audience in awe in his role of The Showman; he's a fantastic ringmaster with a dominating presence and a powerful singing voice to match. The pairing of Korri Aulakh and Aaliya Mai (Max) offered great chemistry and gave the audience something to root for. However, Charlotte-Hannah Jones stole the show for me with her jaw-dropping vocals and larger-than-life personality that shone brightly throughout.
Aside from the talent, the costuming and set design are integral to a production like this one and what Ruby Law (Set Design) and Susan Kulkarni (Costume Design) have achieved is astounding. Every costume and set piece is bursting with colour and personality, and makes for a visual feast for the senses.
One gripe I did have is that there's no discernible plot despite being marketed as "a new story". Instead it just felt like a very well-executed circus show with reappearing characters throughout. 90% of the time the circus stage is very chaotic which I think detracts from any kind of storyline there may be, which for me did little to affect my enjoyment but those expecting a theatrical story may be left feeling disappointed.
And if, like me, you're wondering what the commemorative gift is with the Empress tickets, it's a gorgeous oversized pin of a circus tent which makes for the perfect memento from the evening.
In terms of a visual spectacle, I'd say it's on par with shows such as Moulin Rouge and The Lion King, which I think is why the ticket prices are quite hefty. But for a few hours of entertainment that will leave you breathless, speechless, and simply awe-stricken, I really couldn't recommend it more.
You can book tickets to Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular, here.
**photo credit: Luke Dyson**
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