Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular made its Australian premiere in Sydney earlier this year and is now making its way around the country, with the national tour currently in Perth.
Blending the much-loved anthems of the hit film with spectacular circus acts and musical theatre, the production is a high-octane celebration of everything audiences loved about The Greatest Showman, while taking its own journey beyond the film.
At the centre of the action is Des Flanagan, who steps into the role of The Showman, made famous by Hugh Jackman. For Flanagan, the role brings his own unexpected full-circle moment: he remembers seeing the film and walking out singing its songs for weeks. He never imagined that years later he would be leading the Australian premiere tour of a show inspired by the film.
With a background that includes Moulin Rouge! and CATS, Flanagan is no stranger to the demands of a big musical, but Come Alive! has him embracing something a little different, including the joy of watching children experience the spectacle of live performance for the first time.
The Scoop caught up with Des Flanagan to talk about his Greatest Showman memories, running away with the circus to Perth, his early performing days and what audiences can expect when Come Alive! rolls into town. Read the full interview below.
Let’s start by talking about The Greatest Showman feature film starring Hugh Jackman. I distinctly remember where I was when I first saw it at the cinema, because, strangely enough, it was January 2018 while I was on holiday in Perth! Do you remember where you were when you first saw the film? And did you ever imagine you’d be playing the title role in the Australian premiere tour of a show inspired by it?
I certainly do remember! I watched it at a cinema out near Dandenong with a mate. Both of us walked out of it bouncing off the walls. I sang that music for weeks. I certainly loved the idea, but the eventuation of that idea was not something I anticipated at all.
However, Come Alive! as a show really just celebrates the anthems from the film. The story and characters are on their own journey. But it’s all just as enthralling.
Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular brings together musical theatre elements with authentic circus performances. Have you noticed that reflected in the audiences so far, in that it is bringing in a mix of musical theatre fans and a circus-loving crowd?
Of course it appeals to the different audiences, but because the disciplines are so well woven together it’s hard to discern exactly what it is. It’s a high-octane, overwhelming theatre experience.
What are you loving about performing in Perth so far, and about Perth audiences in general?
Perth is one of my favourite places to be, so I always really enjoy touring here. There’s something about the frequency and people here. I love the beaches, tennis, golf, food and coffee culture. Audiences tend to be a bit more lively here too, and what could be a better show to cater for that than this one?
After training in Musical Theatre at VCA, you spent some time working with Echelon Productions. Incredibly, I just wrapped working for Echelon myself as part of their Perform Education shows for Book Week. What did those early schools touring experiences teach you that you still carry forward in your work?
So much of this show is the interaction with the audience. Particularly as The Showman. My favourite interactions are with the children. Their minds are well and truly blown by what they are witnessing. Being able to be a part of those formative experiences for them is a gift to me, and the training began all those years ago working with Echelon throughout Sydney.
You appeared recently in the national tour of CATS, and Come Alive! is set to visit every major Australian city with dates extending well into 2027. What do you most love about touring, and do you have any survival tips for staying healthy?
I feel like I’ve been touring non stop for the past few years, and what a fortunate thing to say in this industry. I love the familiarity I have now with each city. I’m constantly being a tourist and exploring new places in and around them, but weirdly, many of them feel like home to me now. A survival tip would be: phone calls to friends and family!
You’ve played some iconic leading roles such as Christian in Moulin Rouge!, Leo Bloom in The Producers and of course, Rum Tum Tugger. What roles or shows are still on your bucket list?
All of those roles I never had on my radar; I was just lucky enough to get the opportunity to play them. There is joy to find in the unexpected, and that’s how I’m now finding myself going about my career. I see what happens and what presents itself. I never thought I’d run away with the circus, but boy am I glad I have! So I don’t really have a bucket list.
We have a lot of drama school students and emerging performers following The Scoop, so this question is for them. What advice would you give to someone hoping to pursue a career in musical theatre or performing arts in general?
You’re a multifaceted human being; find all the things that make you you. Especially outside of work. Have fun with the pursuit. See what path presents itself. Be kind, choose kindness.
And finally, what can audiences expect when they attend Come Alive?
Audiences should come expecting the unexpected. However, I promise you, they will be wowed by the variety of artists at the top of their game, the classic anthems from the film that people know and love and a theatre experience they will be sure to remember for a lifetime.
COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular runs to 10 October 2026 at Crown Perth – Riverside Entry, as part of a national tour. See dates below. Great Eastern Highway, Burswood WA 6100. P4 Car Park Outside Riverside Entry.
Tickets are available here.
Website: https://comealiveshow.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/comealiveaus/
Images supplied.
2026/7 Australian Tour Dates:
Perth From 28 August 2026, Crown Perth, Riverside Entry
Adelaide From 29 October 2026, Morphettville Racecourse Tickets
Brisbane From 24 Dec 2026, Royal Queensland Golf Course Tickets
Melbourne From 25 Feb 2027, Caulfield Racecourse Tickets
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