Come Alive! The Greatest Showman review

Working on the assumption that nobody goes to the circus for the plot, director Hammerstein and choreographers Jerry Reeve and Lukas McFarlane throw everything into some astounding acrobatics and a succession of spectacular set pieces. There are aerialists, acrobats, trapeze artists and fire jugglers. A team of expressive vocalists and dancers is woven into the action, bringing to life the movement and sounds of the movie. It has to be one of the most intense circus experiences ever. On occasion, this leads to a lack of focus, with so much going on in the ring at once that it’s difficult to know where to look.

Some routines stand alone, such as see-saw acrobats performing staggering multiple somersaults as they fly into the air. Antino Pansa showcases an astounding sense of balance on the soft wire, and Dean Murrell confidently soars above the ring in an exuberant display on straps. Bailey fully embraces the immersive nature of the experience, engaging with the audience, and leading several of the musical numbers, including the anthemic From Now On. Likewise, Mai as Max confidently belts out a transcendent Rewrite the Stars as onstage partner Korri flies on the trapeze.

Ahead of the show, there’s lots going on in this newly developed space, including food, drink and plenty of immersive fun, thoughtfully designed by Ruby Law to offer the impression of an old-fashioned tented circus complex. Just as the London run of this show was announced, Disney unveiled its plan to bring the 2017 movie to the stage on Broadway. A transfer of that production might turn out to be a welcome addition to the West End – but until then, this provides much of the drama, and all of the songs.