Greatest showman Barnum takes centre stage at Newport theatre company
A musical theatre group from Newport has teamed up with a new dance company to stage a performance of Barnum.
Debra Owen, of Musical Theatre Production (MTP) company, decided on Barnum as the latest performance following the success of The Greatest Showman.
It is based on the life of Phineas Taylor Barnum, portrayed by Hugh Jackman in the Hollywood blockbuster.
It is a collaboration between MTP and Laura Deighton Dance Company, and features a 30-strong cast of young people aged between seven and 19.
Debra, who is directing the production, said: "The children absolutely loved The Greatest Showman so we thought it would be a great idea to revive Barnum the musical, from 1981, which follows the same story."
Challenging
Fintan Hayeck, from Shrewsbury, has been chosen to play the role of Barnum following a long search.
"It's a very, very special part," Debra said. "It's a challenging role of any young man to play so Fintan was chosen specially for it. I spotted him a little while ago at an audition for another show and knew he would be perfect for the part.
"We've been practicing since May and all I can say is the audience can expect a very colourful, spectacular performance. They will get a good performance."
There show will be at Telford Priory School on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Debra on 07576 511971 or emailing dancecompany18@icloud.com
