This Is The Greatest Show!
A burst of colour, courage, and unapologetic individuality; that’s what The Greatest Showman brought to cinema screens, and it’s exactly why it continues to resonate so deeply with performers and audiences alike. It’s also what drew us to choosing The Greatest Showman for our Musicals course this term, stepping away from the usual ‘classic’ era musicals.
🎪 The Story Behind the Spectacle
Inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman reimagines the rise of a visionary who built a world of wonder from nothing. While the film takes creative liberties, its heart lies in celebrating those who live outside society’s expectations - the dreamers, the misfits, the bold souls who refuse to shrink themselves. Barnum’s story becomes a vibrant metaphor for possibility, reminding us that magic is often found in the places others overlook.
💥 A Global Phenomenon
When the film hit cinemas in 2017, it didn’t just perform well - it became a cultural wave. Despite a modest opening, word of mouth transformed it into one of the most successful musical films of all time. Its soundtrack dominated charts worldwide, with audiences returning again and again for the energy, emotion, and empowerment woven through every number.
💃 The Choreography: Power in Motion
The choreography of The Greatest Showman is a world of its own — explosive, athletic, and emotionally charged. Every movement is designed to amplify the film’s themes: strength, unity, and the thrill of stepping into your full self. From ensemble formations to acrobatic flourishes, the choreography blends circus-inspired spectacle with grounded storytelling, creating routines that feel both larger-than-life and deeply human.
✨ A Personal Connection
One of the most magical parts of writing this blog is sharing that I was lucky enough to take a dance class with the film’s choreographers back in 2016 — before the movie was even released. Learning some of the original choreography that would later explode onto the big screen was an unforgettable experience. It felt like being let in on a secret: a glimpse of the electricity that would soon captivate millions.
🌈 Why We’re Bringing It to You
What we adore most about The Greatest Showman is how boldly it celebrates individuality - the power, freedom, bravery, and joy of being exactly who you are. That spirit is at the heart of everything we do, which is why we choreographed a full routine to “The Greatest Show” for our Musicals courses this term in Hove and online.
And because the excitement is too good not to share, we’re also launching two special 2‑hour weekend workshops for anyone who wants to step into the spotlight and feel the thrill for themselves:
Portsmouth Workshop: Sat 31 Jan, 10am-12pm at CourtX, Southsea, PO4 9RF
Eastbourne Workshop: Sat 7 Feb, 10am-12pm at Leaf Hall Community Arts Centre, BN22 7NB
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or simply someone who loves the film, these sessions are designed to make you feel powerful, alive, and part of something extraordinary.