We are an independent show guide. Resale ticket prices may be above face value.

Our review of Hugh Jackman

What a man! What a Show!

Kath HamiltonKath Hamilton, June 5th, 2019
5/5

The Greatest show

He sings, dances (tap-dances too) his way into our hearts!

Our UK correspondent Kath Hamilton reviews Hugh Jackman in London, June 5 2019.

What a man! What a Show! The opening belter of The Greatest Show, the theme tune from The Greatest Showman immediately lifts the audience to their feet, clapping and singing along and believing that this might possibly be the greatest show.

It's a very self-indulgent undertaking, celebrating the life and success of THE man but with his undeniable charm and charisma, Hugh Jackman can certainly get away with a little showmanship in his 50th year.

He tugs at the heartstrings with a tribute to his wife of 23 years and then leads us through a theatrical journey of the highlights of his life. His lines may be well rehearsed but his delivery is always perfectly timed with the humor spot on as he picks on members of the audience and draws you into his world, somehow making a stadium of thousands feel like an intimate gathering.

A nostalgic moment for the star as we were treated to a reuniting of the original Oklahoma cast (including Maureen Lipman) from the West End run that he attributes to being his first big break. Keala Settle, his co-star from the Greatest Showman, dazzled the audience in a golden-winged outfit as she soared through This is Me' and had the audience mesmerized.

The night is just that, Mr. Jackman saying This is Me' - telling us his story, a story of childhood dreams and success, making you believe that anything is possible.

The stage settings are dazzling and it's an extraordinary and varied performance accompanied by choirs and orchestras, but one that ensures he sings, dances (tap-dances too) his way into our hearts.