Jackman’s new musical follows the true story of Barnum, the 19th century American showman, who entertained the public with his circus curiosities.
In the film, Barnum makes his fortune by recruiting people with biological rarities like a bearded woman.
But while The Greatest Showman portrays the circus pioneer as giving his performers a shot at the big time, in reality there were accusations of exploitation for profit.
Historically Barnum was something on entrepreneur and didn’t start working as a showman until he was 60-years-old.
Known for his hoaxes and humbuggery, many of his human exhibits weren’t real.
One his most famous performers was Joice Heth, a former slave who he billed as the 161-year-old nurse of George Washington.
Barnum has her work as much as 12 hours a day until she died after only a year in 1836.
Another character based on a historical figure in The Greatest Showman is Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind, played by Rebecca Ferguson.
As in the film, the real Jenny was considered one of the best signers of the 19th century.
And in 1850 she was invited to America by Barnum, giving 93 concerts, before continuing to tour under own her management.
To find out more about the true PT Barnum, click here.
