Before the show even starts, a group of young performers appear to treat the audience to a range of circus skills that are just a taste of things to come.

Circus tricks such as juggling, and some light acrobatics and hoop twirling, entertain everyone as they wait for the performance to start.

And what a show it is! There is something for everyone as the story of Phineas Barnum slowly unfolds.

Popular presenter/actor Brian Conley takes on the role of the founder of the 'greatest show on earth' and is at his irrepressible best as he takes on some of the circus skills himself.

His tight-rope walking he gets right on the third attempt - although you suspect he may have a couple of engineered slips every night - and he also demonstrates his fire eating and stilt walking.

His repartee with the audience is quick and funny, and Linzi Hateley is also excellent as his long-suffering wife Chairy with Jenny Lind as the silver-tongued alternative love interest that he pursues.

The band, high above the stage, produce some fantastic music but are often hidden behind a curtain and it would have been desirable to see more of them.

The music, by Cy Coleman, doesn't include the kind of memorable numbers that other big musicals boast - the Colors of My Life and Come Follow The Band are probably the most famous - but it is all feel-good stuff.

The production is definitely at its most colourful, entertaining best when the whole ensemble is on stage and demonstrating the wonderful aerial ribbon acrobatics, juggling and tumbling, especially in the finale that brings the audience to its feet in appreciation of a great evening.

*Barnum runs until Saturday.