The Greatest Show-woman: Sam Barks to return to West End

Manx actress to return to Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Manx actress Samantha Barks will return to the West End next year.

She’ll star as Charity Barnum in The Greatest Showman which will open at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in Spring 2027.

It follows a sellout eight-week run of the show at Bristol Hippodrome earlier this year.

The musical is based on the 2017 film of the same name and marks the first 20^th Century Studios title to be adapted for the stage by Disney Theatrical Group.

The Laxey star will perform alongside Oliver Tompsett as PT Barnum who also reprises his role following the Bristol performances. 

In a post on Instagram he wrote: "Couldn't have wished for a better leading lady as Charity Barnum."

Ben Joyce as Phillip Carlyle, Vajen van den Bosch as Jenny Lind and Malinda Parris as Lettie Lutz have also been cast.

It will mark a return to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for the Island performer who previously played Elsa in the stage version of Disney’s Frozen before the show concluded in September 2024.