Showman set to open Brits after ruling the music charts

IT HAS become one of the biggest musicals to grace the big screen in recent years.

And the hype surrounding The

Greatest Showman more than a year since its release in the nation’s cinemas will see Hugh Jackman open the Brit Awards with a song from the movie. The actor, who portrayed American showman PT Barnum in the hugely popular musical film, will perform The Greatest Show. His performance will be under the creative direction of the film’s director, Michael Gracey.

Despite mixed reviews from critics on its release in January 2017, the film was a box office success and its soundtrack has topped the charts in the UK for 28 non-consecutive weeks. In both the UK and America, it has reached multi-platinum status, selling more than two million copies apiece.

Jackman confirmed his appearance in a video on his Instagram page, in which he jokingly lets the news slip to his dancers. In the clip, he is seen telling himself “don’t tell anybody, keep it to yourself, I know it’s amazing but keep it to yourself ” before entering a dance studio.

The Brit Awards will be on Wednesday next week at The O2 Arena London.