The countdown is on to one of the most unusual and entertaining theatre productions of the year, BARNUM and tickets go on public sale on Sunday, April 7.

StagedRight Youth Theatre has presented its annual musical at The Sands Centre every July for the past 18 years but, due to the closure caused by issues with RAAC in the roof, the group was almost forced to cancel this year’s production.

StagedRight was forced to think out of the box and, one of their first ideas became their best: The Garden at Eden Marquee which is in the grounds of Eden Golf Club.

News and Star: The venue for this year's productionThe venue for this year's production (Image: Supplied)The stunning structure is to be transformed into a circus as ‘Barnum’ is the story of The Greatest Showman and set in a circus big top.

Whilst the size of venue means reducing the number of tickets available, audiences can arrive early to enjoy food and drinks outside in the  grounds overlooking the ornamental lake.

StagedRight’s previous productions include The Phantom of the Opera and Cats, both voted Best Amateur Musical in the North West and last years spectacular Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang which recently won 4 awards.

News and Star: Zoe Nelson as Jenny LindZoe Nelson as Jenny Lind (Image: StagedRight)Director David McNeill said: “We have taken the significant problems we had with The Sands closure and turned them into a positive with the show now being played in the ‘round’ with audience members on three sides and only a few feet away from the action.

"Our usual very high production standards will be maintained, and we are offering a unique experience rather than a traditional theatre visit”.

Barnum is a dreamer and king of humbug. He persuades passers-by to come and see the oldest women in the world, the smallest man and Jumbo, the largest elephant.

News and Star: Francis Laidlaw as P.T. BarnumFrancis Laidlaw as P.T. Barnum (Image: Supplied)The show is a cavalcade of colour, brilliant music and amazing costumes, all performed by an award-winning cast of 80 which is accompanied by a live orchestra.

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Due to the venue size, this year StagedRight will perform five performances from Friday, July 12 to Sunday,  July 14  with matinee performances at 3.00pm on the Saturday and Sunday and each evening at 7.00pm.

The venue is only 15 minutes from the centre of Carlisle and offers ample free parking adjacent to the marquee.

Tickets are on sale online or by calling 0333 666 3366.