Barnum, Palace Theatre, Manchester. Runs until Saturday. CIRCUS and side-show fans should find that plenty of good old-fashioned American entertainment - courtesy of the famous P T Barnum - fits the bill perfectly this week.

Recreating the role of the legendary 19th century showbiz legend demands real versatility. And Peter Duncan's TV, theatre and film experience (remember his escapades in Blue Peter and Duncan Dares?) make him ideally suited to lead the cast of a colourful musical that rarely pauses for breath and never missed a beat (or dropped a brick) during last night's performance.

Sterling support by Lana Green as Barnum's wife Charity, Mark Oxtoby as Ringmaster/Bailey and Justine Koos as Jenny Lind, the Swedish Songbird - or should it be the Singing Swede? - helped to create some classy song and dance routines, with neat circus tricks that stepped straight from the Big Top.

When you've got to blend music with a tightrope routine and other high-level stunts, it really takes top talent. Peter Duncan handles it as easily as he fielded the unexpected shout of "Let's see her then!" from a tiny tot in the audience, when Barnum boasts about his mermaid side-show.

A score of super songs included some real gems, such as 'There's a sucker born every minute'. 'One brick at a time' and 'Love makes such fools of us'.

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