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Lion King the Musical has roared into the pride lands, that being Manchester of course, and is a work of genius.
This Disney movie is my all-time favourite and happens to be the highest grossing hand drawn animation feature of all time. But how on earth were they going to recreate this masterpiece on stage?
Well, given its an award-winning musical that has entertained over 100 million people, you could say what they have done is a major success.
So much so, the Manchester run as recently been extended and you can now buy tickets until Saturday 11 March 2023.
Don’t forget to read my review of another Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast
The visionary
The opening scene, ‘Circle of Life’, is truly mind blowing. A glorious hot orange sunrise reveals life size animals all around you as the savannah erupts with life. Elephants parade by, giraffes stride, zebras canter, antelopes leap and birds glide.
You are one with the wildlife, all thanks to the visionary of this production, Julie Taymor. She has celebrated the magic of theatre by reimagining these animals through 232 unique and purpose-built puppets!
From the intricate wooden mask/crown of Mufasa to a push powered Gazelle wheel and furry hand operated Zazu, her inventiveness and creativity is seemingly boundless.
The wilder beast stampede was especially clever as was the moment Mufasa appears in the stars. This show is like nothing I’ve ever seen and it’s something that I will never forget.
The experts
Of course, the actors are crucial when it comes to bringing these contraptions to life and embodying their specific animal. Gosh, I wish I could name all of this mighty cast who can sing, dance and entertain on a whole other level!
Mufasa (Jean-Luc Guizonne) has a strong presence and is a deeply loving father to his son, Simba (Stephenson Ardern-Sodje), who has bounds of playful energy. This being a nice match to his fierce friend Nala (Nokwanda Khuzwayo).
And in total contrast, Scar (Richard Hurst) is a villain you love to hate. He is portrayed as heavily footed, striking and savagely sarcastic in his manner. I don’t often favour the villain but Hurst was so bad it was badass.
Not forgetting the comedy, expertly delivered by Zazu (Matthew Forbes) who is a witty wingman with a neck that generates a lot of laughs. Who knew a Hornbill had so many expressions! As well as firm crowd favourites, Timon and Pumbaa (Alan McHale & Carl Sanderson), offering up jokes that rival my dad’s cheesy one liners.
The story is true to the animation and enhanced further with a stage production that sees the importance of its African roots and embeds it in everything from the choral sound to the traditional visuals.
It really is a joy to listen LIVE to the songs you know and love by legendary Elton John & Tim Rice including, ‘I Just Can’t Wait To Be King’, ‘They Live In You’ and ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’.
‘Be Prepared’ for a jaw dropping time at The Lion King the Musical. It is a spectacular show that all the family will enjoy.
Playing at Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday 11 March 2023.