ENTERTAINER Brian Conley plays legendary American showman Barnum at the Liverpool Empire Theatre as part of a UK tour this week.

The show, produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Chichester Festival Theatre, will be staged at the city centre venue from tomorrow until Saturday, May 23.

It is based on the life of showman P T Barnum, covering the period from 1835 through 1880 in America and major cities of the world where he took his performing companies.

The show also features Linzi Hateley as Chairy, Kimberly Blake as Jenny Lind, Mikey Jay-Heath as Tom Thumb, Landi Oshinowo as Joyce Heth and John Stacey as Ringmaster ‘Bailey’.

The show was a smash-hit when it opened on Broadway in 1980.

Starring Glenn Close and Jim Dale, it won three Tony Awards and a Drama Desk Award.

When Barnum opened at the London Palladium in 1981 Michael Crawford took the lead, winning an Olivier Award for his performance.

On taking up the role, London-born Brian said: "I saw Michael Crawford as Barnum years ago, but never thought I'd get to play him, so it's a privilege to be able to do so.

"It's the kind of show which comes along once in a while, so when there's a chance to audition for the role, you grab it with both hands."

The actor, comedian and TV presenter continued: "There are so many skills needed for the role; acting, comedy, walking on stilts and tight ropes.

"I went to circus school to learn and it's time that has been well spent.

"The tour ends in August and It's been a very successful run so far.

"It's a show that's got everything. Comedy, music and a love story."

One of the UK’s most versatile actors and performers, Brian's most recent stage success was as Fagin in the national tour of Cameron Mackintosh's production of Oliver!

His other West End hits include Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

His portrayal of great iconic American showman Al Jolson in Jolson was nominated for an Olivier award.

On television he played Doug Digby in The Grimleys, had his own ITV1 show The Brian Conley Show and appeared in numerous Royal Variety Performances.

Barnum features music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart and a book by Mark Bramble.

This new production is directed by Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy, adapted from the original 2013 Chichester Festival Theatre production directed by Timothy Sheader and Liam Steel, with choreography by Andrew Wright.

Musical supervision is by Stephen Brooker and Musical Direction by Ian Townsend.

Tickets are from www.atgtickets.com or 0844 871 7660