Come Alive! The Greatest Showman – London's newest musical attraction

Special program recommendation for a visit to London

London's theatre scene has once again been enriched with a special production this year: Come Alive! The Greatest Showman has finally hit the stage, making a dream come true for fans of the film. The spectacular performance is no simple adaptation, but a reimagined, live theatre experience that brings back the magic of the 2017 hit film, while every moment on stage is permeated with the energy of the circus and musical worlds.

In the summer of 2025, I traveled to London specifically to see this show, and I'm happy I made it: it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I've often reminisced about ever since, rewatching the videos I made.

How was it created?

The production was born after a long preparatory work, and the creative team specifically aimed to bring the iconic songs and scenes of the film to the stage in a way that was both faithful to the original and yet offered a new experience to the audience. During the rehearsals, the emphasis was on harmonizing the visual and musical perfection: acrobatic interludes, a live orchestra, and the latest solutions in modern theater technology ensure that the audience truly feels like part of a “big show”.

Who are the actors in Come Alive! The Greatest Showman?

The play features a talented cast of British and international musical actors, many of whom have already proven themselves in the West End's most famous productions. The lead roles are played by performers with exceptional vocals and stage presence, bringing the audience as close as possible to the experience that Hugh Jackman and his co-stars delivered on the big screen. The dance troupe and acrobats create a circus atmosphere, thus enhancing the specialness of the performance.

One of the greatest strengths of Come Alive! The Greatest Showman is its diverse and talented cast. The title role is played by Simon Bailey, one of the most renowned musical actors in London theatre, while young talent Aaliya Mai makes her West End debut as Max. The show also features internationally renowned artists, acrobats and dancers, who combine the world of classic circus with modern stage spectacle. In this way, the audience can experience the Broadway-level musical experience and the spectacular energy of Cirque du Soleil at the same time.

The heart of the production is the music: the songs are performed live by such outstanding performers as Jaz Ellington, Charlotte-Hannah Jones, Whitney Martins and Fallon Mondlane. The singers' voices not only bring the iconic film scores to life, but also enrich them with new emotional layers. "This Is Me" or "Rewrite the Stars" are not just nostalgic echoes, but powerful, theatrical experiences that the audience sings along with the characters. The live performance of the singers and the orchestra adds a special dimension to the show, captivating the audience from the first note to the last.

The scenery and the atmosphere of the lobby

The show is hosted at the unique Empress Museum, whose industrial-style, spacious spaces provide a unique backdrop for the musical. The building has been transformed into a circus “Big Top” experience, so that viewers do not enter a traditional theater, but a world that affects all the senses. From the moment they enter, thematic sets, installations and smaller performances await guests, making the museum not just a location, but an integral part of the story: the industrial monumentality of the past and the vibrancy of modern show business meet perfectly here.

The lobby is dominated by rich sets and circus motifs: huge screens, string lights, costume installations, and recreated versions of iconic props from the film welcome visitors. As you move towards the auditorium, the “traveling circus” atmosphere becomes stronger, setting the perfect tone for the show.

Summary

Come Alive! The Greatest Showman is not just a musical, but a spectacular theatrical experience that combines the best elements of circus, concert and classic West End performances. Anyone visiting London in the near future should add this show to their itinerary - it is guaranteed to be an unforgettable evening for both fans and those experiencing the magic of The Greatest Showman for the first time.