'Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular' review — a wild night of fun and games

Read our review of Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular, featuring songs by Benji Pasek and Justin Paul, now in performances at the Empress Museum to 31 March.

First, this is not The Greatest Showman. Yes, it has the songs, the costumes and even the circus — but if you’re expecting a replica of Michael Gracey’s box-office-breaking film, lower your hopes. However, if an evening that clearly has at least the intention of honouring the Disney musical still appeals, then strap in. Come Alive! is still an extravaganza of festivity and spectacle, so prepare to be entertained.

A stage venture inspired directly by the film is already in the works. But this mash-up concept, which basically throws various elements of The Greatest Showman at a stage by Simon Hammerstein, might satisfy fans while they wait.

A mammoth building in Earl’s Court has been repurposed for this “circus spectacular” and renamed the Empress Museum. To get to the big top for the main performance, the audience stroll through a gallery where a ringmaster’s glittery jacket stands proudly behind glass on display, there are garish posters for snake charmers and magicians, and food trucks are on hand to sell chips, burgers and popcorn.

It has the feel of a Secret Cinema event. Dressing rooms with costumes are displayed all over the floors and fortune teller huts decorate the outer circle of the round hut. Soon, we’re ushered to our seats and the performance kicks into action. Then comes fire breathing, tight rope walking, trapeze acts, and some vaudeville-esque dance, which sends plenty of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ round the audience.

It is undeniably impressive — the circus is as good as the likes of Cirque du Soleil, and in this 700-seater venue, you get a much better look at the acts, too. The problem is, the story Hammerstein has picked to tie the whole thing together lacks any real structure or purpose.

Simon Bailey is our showman, and newcomer, Max (Aaliya Mai), turns up ready to learn the ropes. He encourages her to break away from her partner, Cory, and step out on her own. There’s some name-shouting and running around the big top’s circle in distress. But that’s about as far as we get in terms of clarity over the course of the 100-minute performance.

Admittedly, circus acts are not famed for their narrative paths. But the issue is that The Greatest Showman already has a much-loved and much better story — we can’t help but wish to see it here.

Grumbles aside, though, it is a wild night of fun and games. Benji Pasek and Justin Paul’s songs sound as thrilling live as they do on the screen. And for superfans of the movie — of which there are many – getting the chance to hear the tunes performed well at full volume will be enough of a treat.

Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular is at the Empress Museum to 31 March 2025. Book Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular (Photos by Luke Dyson)