BARNUM rolled into Bristol this week, bringing Brian Conley to the Hippodrome in a role that fits him like a glove.

With entertainers keeping the crowd amused with sideshow acts even before the curtain goes up, and a bit of audience interaction at the start of the show, it’s easy to be drawn into Barnum’s exotic and exciting world, based on a true story and set in 19th century America but which still has relevance today.

Perhaps the show should in fact be renamed ‘Brian Conley does Barnum’ because no matter how good the cast – and believe me they are fantastic – it is almost impossible to watch anyone but Conley when he is on the stage, taking up the mantle of Phineas Taylor Barnum, ‘the greatest showman in America’.

While it’s easy to marvel at the world’s largest elephant, smallest boy, oldest woman and even a mermaid, even more wondrous perhaps is Conley’s accent and enthusiasm as he juggles, walks tightropes and eats fire – both literally and metaphorically - as you follow the trials and tribulations of Barnum’s personal life.

And he can sing, with not a single bum note in songs ranging from “There’s a Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute” and “Follow the Band” to “Barnum’s Lament”. This is impeccable casting.

Credit must also go to Linzi Hateley, who played Barnum’s long-suffering wife Chairy, and Kimberly Blake as Jenny Lind – Barnum’s two love interests – who bring a more than a touch of humanity to a show that’s otherwise full of humbug and baloney.

And with a fabulous 11-piece band playing high above the stage, and talented circus performers making the most of the space above the stage as well as on it, it’s difficult to know where to look without missing something happening elsewhere.

The stamp of Cameron Mackintosh is all over this new tour; big budget, bright costumes and big personalities. This is a musical designed for musical lovers – every element is perfectly designed and thought out to keep the audience engaged throughout the entire show.

And with such attractions to behold, who could resist this tribute to ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’?

Barnum, starring Brian Conley, is at the Bristol Hippodrome from the September 16 to 27.