What was one of the worst-kept secrets in theatre, Disney finally confirmed a new stage adaptation of ‘The Greatest Showman’ last August. But who could’ve predicted that the world premiere would be taking place here in Bristol? Based on the 2017 smash-hit film, which tells the heavily fictionalized life story of P. T. Barnum, the new musical will debut at the Bristol Hippodrome in spring 2026.
Better yet, you could even star in it! ‘The Greatest Showman: The New Musical’ isn’t set to start rehearsing until this winter, but a nationwide search for singers, actors and dancers is currently underway. There are open auditions in Dublin, Belfast, Cardiff, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, Exeter, Newcastle and London over the next few months.
What do we know about the new ‘The Greatest Showman’ musical?
The musical will feature many of the award-winning songs you know and love from the original movie, including ‘The Greatest Show’, ‘A Million Dreams’, ‘Come Alive’, ‘Rewrite the Stars’ and the Golden Globe-winning ‘This Is Me’. Plus, plenty of brand new songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen, and Disney’s forthcoming Snow White) written especially for the musical.
‘The Greatest Showman’ will be directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award-winning Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Disney’s Aladdin, Mean Girls and the forthcoming production of Disney’s Hercules, opening at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in June). The book is written by Emmy nominee Tim Federle (Ferdinand, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Tuck Everlasting).
“It has been decades since an original film musical has been so passionately and broadly embraced as The Greatest Showman, and Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s songs have found a treasured place in the world’s heart,” said Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart and Thomas Schumacher for Disney Theatrical Group.
“Audiences responded to the film’s joyful energy, and themes of self-discovery, community, and the families we create. We’re excited to bring it to the stage as a purely theatrical piece and the natural next chapter in its extraordinary life. We cannot wait to see how this incredibly talented team of creatives elevate the beloved work still further.
“Tim Federle is among the new generation of Disney storytellers, returning to Broadway after remarkable success in film and television. Casey Nicholaw, a longtime key contributor to Disney Theatrical Group’s success, has an unrivalled genius for combining joy and heart in his award-winning stage work. Now we begin the search for the performers who will bring this story to life on stage.”
How do I audition?
‘The Greatest Showman’ open auditions are for only “exceptional singers/actors, and strong contemporary dancers”. You must be 18 or older and eligible to work in the UK. You also need to register a time slot in your chosen city and bring a CV and headshot along. You’ll also have to prepare a musical number or two, but you can learn more about the audition process here.