A dream come true

As he prepares to play 19th century showman PT Barnum in a new UK tour, West End star Lee Mead reveals the childhood inspiration behind his most challenging role yet

- BY SUE CRAWFORD

Lee Mead stars in the UK tour of Barnum, from Jan 30. For details visit kenwright.com Lee in the title role in stage show Barnum Lee shot to stage stardom as Joseph

Lee Mead has endured six months of gruelling tightrope training ahead of his new role as legendary showman PT Barnum. Learning to walk a 1cm wire, suspended high above the ground, has been challenging, but it is a role Lee feels he was destined to play due to a series of uncanny coincidences.

Theatre legend Michael Crawford played the original Barnum in 1981-the year Lee was born. And 14 years later Lee had the part of the ringmaster in a school production of the show.

But by far the most touching connection is one that Lee shared with his beloved grandparents Lily and Bert.

"My nan and grandad never had much money and they saved for almost a year and a half to see Michael Crawford as Barnum at the London Palladium in 1983," recalls Lee.

"My nan would often say to me when I was growing up, 'Oh, me and grandad went to see Michael Crawford play Barnum. It was the most spectacular thing we ever saw. It was such a special memory for them.

"I know they would have absolutely loved to have seen me as Barnum, so I really felt on a spiritual and very personal level that they brought this show to me.

"They would have been so proud and I feel like they will be with me at every single show."

Lee's grandfather died when he was a teenager. Lily passed away 15 years ago, so was able to witness his incredible success in the title role of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat after winning the 2007 BBC show Any Dream Will Do.

In subsequent years he spent time in the BBC series Casualty. He has released four solo albums, toured the UK extensively and appeared in hit West End shows, including Sister Act, Wicked and We Will Rock You, as well as tours of Chicago and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.