Brian Conley is to play the lead in the Cameron Mackintosh and Chichester Festival Theatre touring version of the musical Barnum at Birmingham Hippodrome in August 2015.
Conley said, “Birmingham Hippodrome is special to me. Not only have I performed in some of the most well-loved musicals of all time there but I’ve starred in a record-breaking six pantomimes and was honoured to have hosted the 1999 Royal Variety Performance.
“I’m therefore thrilled to return to the Hippodrome in such an amazing show full of great songs, comedy and colour and telling the true story of one of the great showmen of his time, P T Barnum.
“I remember seeing Michael Crawford's Barnum at the London Palladium and ever since I’ve dreamed of playing the role. Now, thanks to Michael Harrison and Cameron Mackintosh, the dream’s come true.”
Stuart Griffiths, Birmingham Hippodrome’s chief executive, added, “Brian Conley is one of the country’s most talented entertainers and a firm favourite with theatregoers here in Birmingham.
“We’re delighted that he’ll be returning in what will be one of the main highlights of our 2015 season.”
Barnum runs at the Hippodrome from Tuesday 7 July until Saturday 1 August 2015.