Greatest Showman Stage Debut
'The Greatest Showman' Stage Musical to Open in London Spring 2027, Starring Oliver Tompsett and Samantha Barks
Disney Theatrical Group has announced that a stage musical of "The Greatest Showman" will open at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane in Spring 2027, according to Variety. The show marks the first 20th Century Studios film ever adapted for the stage by Disney Theatrical Group.
Oliver Tompsett and Samantha Barks will star as P.T. Barnum and his wife Charity. The production follows a sold-out eight-week tryout run at Bristol Hippodrome earlier this year, Yahoo Style reported.
Star Casting Brings Barnum and Charity to Life
Oliver Tompsett will play the famous circus promoter P.T. Barnum. Samantha Barks, known for her stage and screen work, will play his wife Charity. The two leads were confirmed alongside the Spring 2027 opening date, Variety reported.
The show is inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum. Barnum built one of the most famous circus empires in American history. The 2017 film starring Hugh Jackman became a massive hit, earning over $435 million worldwide at the box office.
Grammy-Winning Songs Power the New Stage Show
The musical features songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the songwriting duo behind hits like "This Is Me" and "A Million Dreams." Their work on the original film earned Grammy and Oscar nominations, The Evening Standard noted.
The stage book is written by Tim Federle. The story comes from Jenny Bicks, who also wrote the screenplay for the original film. Direction and choreography are both handled by Casey Nicholaw, a Broadway veteran known for "The Book of Mormon" and "Mean Girls."
Drury Lane Deepens Its Bond With Disney
Theatre Royal Drury Lane is one of London's most storied venues. Disney Theatrical Group has a longstanding relationship with the historic theatre, Theatre Weekly reported. The venue has hosted major Disney productions before, making it a natural home for this new show.
The West End run follows the successful Bristol Hippodrome tryout, which sold out all eight weeks. That strong response gave the creative team confidence to bring the show to one of London's biggest and most prestigious stages, The Irish News reported.
A Historic First for 20th Century Studios on Stage
This production breaks new ground for Disney Theatrical Group. It is the first time the company has adapted a 20th Century Studios title for the stage. Disney acquired 20th Century Studios — formerly known as 20th Century Fox — as part of its $71 billion purchase of 21st Century Fox in 2019.
The move signals Disney's intent to expand its stage portfolio beyond its classic animated titles. With "The Greatest Showman" already a proven crowd-pleaser on screen, the West End debut in Spring 2027 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated theatre openings of that year, Yahoo News Canada reported.
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