Filling the stage with song and spectacle, Disney’s THE LION KING is every bit as moving as the original movie.
Few musicals can claim to be as popular as Disney’s THE LION KING. Since it first opened on Broadway in 1997, the musical has been seen by more than 110 million people worldwide, has played in over 100 cities and is the highest-grossing Broadway production of all time. Now in its 25th year, THE LION KING shows no signs of slowing down as it heads out on a new UK tour with a 19-week stop at Manchester’s Palace Theatre.
Staying true to the 1994 Disney animated movie, THE LION KING follows the life of lion cub Simba, who is tricked by his uncle Scar into thinking he killed his father, Mufasa, in a stampede. Simba flees the Prideland and starts a new life in the jungle before returning as an adult to defeat Scar and take back his destined role as King of the Pridelands.
As Rafiki’s African cries bellow out to mark the start of the opening number, it’s easy to see why THE LION KING is known as the “King of Musicals”. This truly immersive theatre experience is simply breathtaking as animals parade proudly through the auditorium, brightly coloured birds fly above, and evocative African drumbeats sound out, leaving the audience gasping in wonder and pleasure.
Director Julie Taymor and her creative team have clearly worked hard to bring Disney’s magic to life on stage. Richard Hudson’s minimalistic set design is both simple and effective, providing a visually stunning backdrop for Taymor’s colourful costumes and Donald Holder’s clever lighting. Special effects are used sparingly in the show, but when they are used, they provide some real wow moments.
Much of the show’s success lies in its massive ensemble cast of more than 50 performers who fill the stage with colour and song. Stand out performances come from Richard Hurst, who is outstandingly menacing as the villain Scar, Jean-Luc Guizonne, who plays Mufasa with ease and humility, and Matthew Forbes as the actor, voice and puppeteer behind Zazu, whose quick wit and directness make him a firm favourite with the audience.
In the lead roles, Stephenson Ardern-Sodje and Nokwanda Khuzwayo make for a perfect pairing as Simba and Nala, while Alan McHale and Carl Sanderson deliver some pitch-perfect comic relief as Timon and Pumbaa. A special mention also must go to Thandazile Soni, who steals the show as Rafiki with her fantastic humour and stunning vocal performance.
But the real star of the show is Taymor and Michael Curry’s puppetry design, a mechanical and technical engineering fete in itself! A total of 232 puppets feature in the show, ranging from rod and shadow puppets to full-sized four-metre-long elephants, helping to bring to life the diverse African animals. The stampede of the wildebeests stands out as a show highlight.
Add in a memorable musical score packed with fan favourites like CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT, CIRCLE OF LIFE, HAKUNA MATATA, as well as new numbers like HE LIVES IN YOU and SHADOWLAND, which bring to life the beautiful nature of African culture, and Disney’s THE LION KING is utterly magical from start to finish.
Treat yourself to a ticket – you won’t regret it!
Disney’s THE LION KING runs at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, until 11 March 2023.
Donna is the Founder and Editor of Frankly, My Dear UK. By day, she works as a digital marketing specialist, by night she reviews film, theatre and music for a wide range of publications including WhatsonStage and The Reviews Hub. Loves Formula 1, prosecco and life.
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