Step right up and enter the dazzling world of P. T. Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds.
Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum’s life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights.
West End favourite and TV star Matt Rawle will take centre stage as the legendary 19th century showman P. T. Barnum. Lee shot to stardom with his breakout win on Any Dream Will Do and acclaimed performances in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wicked, and Legally Blonde. This spectacular new staging will feature an extraordinary ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians playing 150 instruments, acrobats and amazing circus acts.
Audiences are certain to delight at every sight, wonder and miracle that the name Barnum stands for!
Barnum first took the UK by storm when it played the London Palladium, with Michael Crawford making theatrical history with a death-defying nightly tightrope walk across the stage.
And now, Matt Rawle steps into Barnum’s shoes and on to the tightrope!
Come follow the band with the glorious music of multi-award-winner Cy Coleman, Michael Stewart’s lyrics and Mark Bramble’s book. Barnum features a whole host of classic show tunes including Join the Circus, Colours of My Life, Come Follow the Band and Love Makes Such Fools of Us All. This show includes smoke, haze, gunshots, fire, loud noise, flashing lights, darkness, latex balloons and clowns, and contains depictions of racism, slavery and the exploitation of children, animals and mermaids. Music by Cy Coleman | Lyrics by Michael Stewart | Book by Mark Bramble
Ticket prices from: £20.80
Prices are subject to availability and may change
Date(s): Tue 25 Aug – Sat 29 Aug 2026
Barnum
Date(s): Tue 25 Aug – Sat 29 Aug 2026
Princess Theatre
Torbay Road, Torquay TQ2 5EZ
Category: Musicals
Where is Barnum performing?
Barnum is playing at Princess Theatre Torquay, Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5EZ.
How do I get to Princess Theatre Torquay?
Train: Torquay station is served by GWR and CrossCountry with frequent services running towards Exeter St David's and the South West. The theatre is a 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from the station along the seafront.
Bus: Bus stops are located on Torbay Road, approximately 3 minutes walk from the theatre, served all day by the number 12. Check the Stagecoach app or website for timetables.
Car: Use postcode TQ2 5EZ for sat nav. The closest car parks are Fleet Walk (TQ2 5EA) and Sheddon Hill (TQ2 5TY). There is limited parking available on Torbay Road directly outside the theatre. See our full parking guide for more options.
How long is Barnum?
2 hours 10 minutes incl. interval. Tue - Sat at 19:30, Wed, Thu and Sat at 14:30
What time should I arrive at Princess Theatre Torquay?
The box office opens 90 minutes before the performance. We recommend arriving at least 20 to 30 minutes before curtain up. This gives you time to collect or check your tickets, visit the facilities, find your seats, and browse refreshment options from the bar and Teatro, the theatre's own restaurant specialising in sourdough pizzas, which opens from 10am on performance days. Please note that bag checks may be in operation, so leave extra time. Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. For full venue information see our Princess Theatre visitor guide.
How much are tickets for Barnum?
Ticket prices vary by production and performance date. Click the secure booking button on this page to see current pricing and availability for Barnum at Princess Theatre Torquay.
Where can I eat near Princess Theatre Torquay?
Torquay offers plenty of dining options within walking distance of the Princess Theatre on Torbay Road. The theatre also has its own restaurant, Teatro, specialising in sourdough pizzas and open from 10am on performance days. See our guide to restaurants near the Princess Theatre for recommendations, or browse hotels in Torquay if you're making a night of it.
Is there an age recommendation for Barnum?
Age recommendations vary by production. Check the specific show listing or booking page for full age guidance before booking.
Can I see the seating plan for Princess Theatre Torquay?
Yes — view our detailed Princess Theatre Torquay seating plan to choose the best seats for your visit. The stalls slope down to the front row with no stairs. The circle is accessed by lift to the circle bar level, then stairs to the circle seats. Rows with extra legroom in the stalls include A, G, M, V36/42, and all side gangway seats. For full venue information including access details, see our Princess Theatre visitor guide.
Where is the best place to buy tickets for Barnum?
Click the secure booking button on this page to see current availability, performance dates and times for Barnum at Princess Theatre Torquay. Browse more shows at the Princess Theatre.