Last night, Express.co.uk attended the world premiere of the first official live attraction based on Hugh Jackman’s musical movie The Greatest Showman.
Descending on London’s Earls Court in our tuxedos with the likes of Sir Ian McKellen and Jack Whitehall in attendance, we were wondering just what could be in-store.
After all, it has been almost seven years since The Greatest Showman defied the critics and became a word-of-mouth success, even topping the box office two months after its initial release. Meanwhile, the sleeper hit’s soundtrack was No 1 on iTunes in over 77 countries, became the best-selling album of 2018 in the UK, and, after 28 non-consecutive weeks at the top spot, matched The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
So what’s the holdup been? Well, in the interim, Disney purchased the rights to 20th Century Fox, which made the movie. Now rebranded as 20th Century Studios, they have finally got around to a live attraction based on The Greatest Showman ahead of the newly announced stage musical.
The result is Come Alive! The Official Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular and it’s a lively, immersive treat for fans of the movie.
Entering the Empress Museum venue, the experience begins an hour before the actual show. Inside, a carnival world surrounds the Big Top in the centre, giving off a Secret Cinema immersive vibe from the off.
Colourful circus characters dressed for the occasion wander around the themed bars and caravans, offering contortionist shows, palm readings and acrobatics as you pass by.
It all feels wonderfully Moulin Rouge as we take a moment to chow down on a hot dog and fries, which come in generous portions. Having explored the bohemian world, it was soon time for us to take our seats in the main circus tent in chairs that could have used a little more legroom for those of us above 6 feet. And this is when the real greatest show began.
To clarify, Come Alive! isn’t an adaptation of The Greatest Showman as the upcoming stage musical will be, but an official circus performance featuring all the hit songs by Pasek and Paul from This Is Me to Rewrite the Stars. The Showman himself, played by Moulin Rouge musical alumni Simon Bailey, leads the incredible energy of this spectacle, which includes a storyline following a new circus member learning the ropes.
But to be honest, we really just enjoyed getting lost in the sheer entertainment of it all as top-tier West End singers belt out your favourite tracks alongside Cirque du Soleil fire-eating performers flinging themselves around the Big Top on trapezes, tightropes, a giant carriage and more. Along the way, there are plenty of gasp moments and changes to singalong, too.
Although the first half is the strongest part of the show, overall, this is a real treat for fans of the movie and those who want a great family afternoon or evening out. Oh, and look out for that Hugh Jackman Wolverine Easter egg!
Come Alive! The Official Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular is running at Empress Museum, Earl’s Court until March 30, 2025 and tickets can be booked here.
