ROLL up, roll up for the greatest show on earth.

Certainly it’s the greatest of shows this summer as the Chichester Festival revives the story of America’s sensational showman as its spectacular musical production.

It's no coincidence, of course, that the tale of humbug and shim-sham that made PT Barnum arguably the most successful entertainer and conman of his century is being staged in a giant big top erected in parkland next to the Festival Theatre. Refurbishment work means the main theatre is off limits this season, but the show must go on and a limited number of productions includes this greatest of high-wire, death-defying musical extravaganzas.

American showman Christopher Fitzgerald plays the colourful Barnum, from humble sideshow beginnings where he persuades customers to part with dimes to meet George Washington’s 160-year-old nurse, to his partnership with James A Bailey and the creation of the phenomenal Barnum and Bailey travelling circus.

Fitzgerald is a powerhouse of energy, a strong singer and not a bad acrobat to boot. He is, unsurprisingly, quite a showman himself.

Tamsin Carroll takes the part of Barnum’s long suffering, practical wife, who acts as a stop to his wilder schemes but orchestrator of many of his successes.

A very strong supporting ensemble of acrobatic cast members turns the Big Top stage into an explosion of dance and theatre as Barnum’s journey from attraction owner to politician to circus magnate plays out.

Clever choreography and special effects play theirpart. In particular watch out for the world’s smallest man meeting the world’s largest elephant.

And the finale plays out to the most sensational three-ring circus extravaganza.

Chichester’s gamble to move under modern canvas for this year’s big productions appears to have paid off.

Barnum said his success was down to a sucker being born every minute. The only suckers here will be the ones who fail to grab a ticket.

Barnum runs until August 31.