Sing-a-long-a The Greatest Showman

A couple of weeks ago I went along to Playhouse Whitley Bay for Sing-a-long-a Grease (you can read the review here) and although it’s a film I’ve seen many times before, I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. When it comes to Sing-alongs, I don’t think it matters how many times you’ve seen a film, a Sing-a-long-a experience is next level.

So, I was really excited when Sing-a-long-a very kindly got in touch, and asked if I’d like to go along to  Sing-a-long-a The Greatest Showman at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle. And I said ‘absolutely’.

The Greatest Showman

I was aware of the hype surrounding the movie, but hadn’t quite got round to watching. I think I was still so fixated on ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ since first seeing it when it hit the cinemas last October, that I didn’t think any film could captivate me quite so much. I wasn’t sure I wanted another movie to.

I did wonder if maybe I should perhaps watch the musical drama at home first, just to familiarise myself with the songs. But decided I’d wait, and the Sing-a-long-a would be the first time I’d see it.

I went along with my youngest daughter, Emily, 7. First going for some lunch in Turtle Bay, Emilys choice. We then made our way over to the theatre. On arrival, we were handed a bag each containing props for the show, then we headed into the auditorium and took our seats in the stalls. We’ve been to the Theatre Royal for pantos, but I’m not sure Emily can remember, as when we walked through the doors, she looked around exclaiming ‘Wow! This is amazing’. She was excited and had been looking forward to this all week.

With the same format as Sing-a-long-a Grease, the show kicked off with a warm up. During this warm up our host dressed as Lettie Lutz, talked us through our props. Explaining their significance and when to use them throughout the movie, and taught us some simple dance moves.

Our props consisted of a glowstick candle, doily which represented a snowflake, an invitation to ‘Barnum’s Museum’, hand clappers (which were very effective during the show) and a party popper. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged, and there were some fabulous efforts amongst the audience. Those dressed up were invited on stage and our cheers indicated who we thought was the best.

Warm up complete and the audience geared up, the lights then dimmed, and the film began. I won’t go into detail about the movie starring Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron. But for anyone who hasn’t seen, it’s a tale of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle. The Greatest showman is a multi-layered movie, with some heavy and touching storylines. But above all that, it’s a celebration of individuality and humanity. Barnum connects with the ‘freaks’, the eccentrics and the larger than life personalities. Bringing them out of the shadows, to celebrate their uniqueness.

The soundtrack to the movie is just superb. The whole theatre sang along from start to finish, and I can’t even describe the atmosphere. To see families sat together on a rainy Sunday afternoon singing along to the most uplifting songs I can even think of in a musical, literally sent shivers down my spine.

The highlight of the show for me was the scene when the Bearded Lady sang showstopping hit ‘This is Me’. The auditorium erupted. Looking at my daughter waving her candle and singing along to the heartfelt anthem gave me goosebumps.

In addition to the props, the lights shone to create mood and pulsed to the beat during the opening song of ‘The Greatest Show’. They twinkled as the Wishing Machine spun at the start. Confetti fell from the ceiling as did sprays of foam as makeshift snow.

So what did we think?

I will be completely honest, I left the theatre at the end of the show in tears. I have struggled with confidence literally all my life. I’ve often felt an outsider. Like I can’t quite fit in anywhere. I’ve always had big ideas and a wild imagination. I’m a deep thinker and openly express my emotions. I can’t change this, although I have tried.

The Greatest Showman has taught me I don’t need to. I don’t need to change for anyone. I don’t need to ‘fit in’. I don’t need to look for any kind of acceptance or validation. I am me and I like being me. I can be pretty out there, I know I can. I’m not afraid to voice my opinions and I refuse to give up on an idea or shrink my dreams, and I don’t need to. WE don’t need to. None of us need to. This is me. This is us and that is fine.

With than in mind I walked tall out of that theatre and strutted down Grey Street to head home. I don’t think I have ever felt so empowered.

My verdict

Sing-a-long-a The Greatest Showman is so much more than just simply watching the movie. I’m worried this review can’t even do it justice. You really need to go along to a theatre showing this ultimate feel good performance to experience it for yourself. Go along with your little ones. I think self acceptance is the most important message we can give our children, and confidence the most valuable trait. And the feeling of sitting in a packed auditorium, in a beautiful theatre, surrounded by families with children of all ages singing their little hearts out, is just incredible.

Another spectacular Sing-a-long-a experience, even topping Grease for me. And I’m now really hoping ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is in the pipeline. I’ve been to two sing-alongs in the cinema, but these experiences really work so much better in a theatre. And if The Greatest Showman ever hits the West End, I’m there like a shot.

*This was a gifted experience in exchange for a review, but all opinions are entirely honest, and my own