Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular @ The Hippodrome, Morphettville Racecourse, Adelaide 1/11/2026

Almost a decade after seeing and loving the theatrical musical movie, The Greatest Showman, with immense excitement I stepped into the Hippodrome on Sunday afternoon for Come Alive. This “Circus Spectacular” riffs off the movie’s musical acts to produce a slick, energetic show that leans more on a circus format than musical theatre. After a long season in London, it has landed in Australia with a run in Sydney and Perth, followed by Adelaide then further eastern states next year. It’s always nice for us to get a show before some of the other main cities when the cast is fresh, enthused, and appreciative of an Adelaide crowd.

Greeted with an immersive pre-show experience involving roving members of the ensemble, we quickly got into the spirit of the event. Arriving at least thirty minutes’ early gives ample time to get a drink and check out the pre-show entertainment and obligatory gift shop.

Upon making our way towards the purpose-built big top, we took our seats in the main auditorium. Our first impression was that we could have been at a Cirque de Soleil performance or an Ashton’s circus production, but with a slick Hollywood feel. Ten rows high in the bleachers, our vantage point was as good as anyone’s particularly for the aerial acts. Those in the first few rows were privy to more immersive interactions, with the cast regularly parading in front of the first-row seats and even at one point, sitting down with the audience.

A nod to the narrative elements of the movie, which starred Hugh Jackman, Zendaya and Zac Efron, were given via a loose storyline involving aspirational circus performer Max’s character arc. While not a key element of the show, the story did at times feel a little tokenistic and light on. The themes of self-invention and belonging were framed around the songs from the movie, but the story did not replicate the gravitas or drama that was present in the award-winning movie.

Des Flanagan was powerful as the Showman, creating an electric atmosphere as he charmed and hyped us through various circus acts including the teeterboard with expert acrobatics. Flanagan also led one of the most poignant acts of the night, Never Enough, featuring a beautiful giant hoop sequence. The four accompanying vocalists, along with Flanagan, sang their parts from the audience, with the soaring harmonies perfectly complementing the skilful acrobatics in the round.

Ruby Clark was a stand-out as Max. Her vocal range, particularly her lower register resonance, was superb. Clark nailed her solos especially in Rewrite the Stars, giving a beautiful rendition while Griffin Hooper performed high up on the trapeze.

During the almost two-hour show, which included an interval, we were treated to the anticipated aerial acts including the trapeze, straps, and silks. The audience needed no encouragement to express its enthusiasm for the acts with an almost continuous level of cheering and applause greater than any I’ve witnessed at similar shows.

Songs from the movie were paired extremely cleverly with the circus and dance acts. While songs such as Tight Rope were clearly matched with a high wire balancing act, thoughtful choreography accompanied other songs such as From Now On. A stand-out was Max’s rendition of A Million Dreams while an acrobat performed an aerial act jaw-droppingly suspended from only her hair.
The ensemble dance numbers and circus performers gave us lots of opportunities to clap along with even some fire breathing thrown in.

Overall, the atmosphere was wild and energetic, with sumptuous costumes on the cast, and live musicians belting out the score.
This is a family show, it’s wholesome and a lot of fun! Audience participation via a sing along had everyone on their feet for the grand finale featuring the song The Greatest Show.

The musical numbers are great in their own right; the circus acts brilliant as well. Together, they will have you on your feet truly celebrating and feeling alive.

Overall, an extremely wonderful experience that is polished and professional. As fringe and festival season is still over four months away, for anyone wanting to be thoroughly entertained, this is a perfect outing.

Live Review By Kim Burley

Now playing in Adelaide, tickets are on sale now at comealiveshow.com.au