Entertainment · Off-West End
Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular
This circus and musical theatre show is inspired by the film The Greatest Showman. It has an original story by Jenny Bicks and uses the film's songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, performed live by aerial artists, acrobats and West End musical theatre talent.
It is staged in a dedicated 700-seat Big Top at the Empress Museum in Earl's Court. Doors open an hour before the show for an interactive pre-show experience. The seated performance runs approximately 100 minutes including an interval. The official FAQ says the show is suitable for children aged 5+, and children under 5 cannot be admitted.
Buying advice
How to book
Come Alive is fully immersive from the moment you walk in, with plenty to do before the show, so arrive well before opening to beat the queues. It sells strongly and is booking to February 2027. Off-peak is the easy saving: premium seats are £125–£150, against £125–£175 at peak. Prices are currently being cut for some last-minute midweek performances, so check the official website before you book.
Ways to pay less
Book ahead for the best value, as the cheapest seats for any date go first. An off-peak date is an easy saving, with premium seats topping out at £150 against £175 on peak dates. If you are happy to gamble, £30 rush tickets on the day are another way in, though a seat is not guaranteed. Groups of ten or more get the biggest reduction, from £69.50 a head, and there are family tickets.
Deals3
Best deals across LondonEvery current deal we track for Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular, checked daily. Last checked 23 October.
£30 Rush tickets available at 10:00 am every day from TodayTix app, 1 or 2 per person for that day's performances. To give yourself the best chance, save your card details in the app beforehand, open the show's Rush page just before 10am and tap the button the moment it appears. If you miss out, keep trying for 10 to 15 minutes, as tickets not paid for within 5 minutes are released again.
- Family
Book 4 or more tickets and save up to £10 per ticket. Valid for performances booking to August 2027.
- Group
Groups of 10+ save with £69.50 tickets on select Wed, Thur eves & Fri perfs — Groups of 10+ people can get tickets for £69.50 each for Wed, Thur eves & Fri mat/eve performances; exclusions apply. Must complete a form to register interest.
Pricing
+17% peak surcharge (mid-range seats)Peak
Weekends & holidays| Area | Top | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | £175 | £125 |
| Budget | £100 | £85 |
| VIP Empress | £300 | £200 |
Off-peak
Mid-week| Area | Top | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | £150 | £125 |
| Budget | £85 | £50 |
| VIP Empress | £250 | £200 |
Prices are taken from the show's official website and are a guide only — they change without notice.
Where to sit
The arena is intimate, so where you sit matters less than usual. Aim for the VIP Empress side rather than the band side; even the back row, much cheaper than some seats, has great views. VIP Empress tickets, £200–£250, give the best access to the pre-show entertainment, the sky lounge, free-flowing champagne and a side table at your seats.
The Empress Museum's own seating guide, level by level, is below.
Critics
What the critics said
Reviews from the 2024 opening at Empress Museum
4 reviews, 1 with a star rating
Also reviewed by The Guardian, The Stage and Time Out
Quotes are brief extracts, each with a link to the full review. Star ratings are the outlets’ own; we never work one out from a review’s words. If you publish one of these reviews and would like it removed, email us and we will take it down promptly.
Thinking of going with a group?
There’s a group rate for this show (see the group deal). Register your interest and we’ll try to organise a trip at that rate once enough people are in.
Staying nearby
The nearest hotels to the Empress Museum, for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.
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