We had such a wonderful day out in Cheltenham early in April. As usual the coach was totally on time (usual wonderful organisation by Jenny Schofield), straight to Cheltenham in glorious warm sunshine.  Three good hours there for shopping, eating etc – so lovely to see people out and about in summer clothes.  I always enjoy visits to that town and use the opportunity for mooching around M&S and John Lewis.

Then to the Everyman Theatre for the matinee performance of BARNUM – a musical, very loosely based on the life of PT Barnum.  From the moment the curtain lifted, I was totally entranced – so much happening all the time on the stage – singing, dancing, aerial stunts and acrobatics, etc.  I just had a smile on my face all through it.

I read some reviews and ‘Yes’ I accept it is not supposed to be historically accurate (loved the trouser zipper the lead character had in his clothing nearly fifty years too early), but this was a musical spectacular – and (for me at least), was very successful in that. The wonderful tightrope walk by the lead character is one of the high spots, but then so was the appearance of ‘Jumbo’.

When we got back on the coach for our return journey, all having thoroughly enjoyed this performance, it was still warm and sunny. And thanks to Steve our driver who ensured that we were all back home in good time.

June Tatch