In a world where Disney movies are increasingly being adapted for the stage, The Lion King stands head over heels above so many of its contemporaries.
Playing for just over 10 weeks, the production is one of the most awaited arrivals of the season. Based on the Disney film, which itself turns 30 next year (!) The Lion King debuted on July 8, 1997 in Minneapolis before premiering on Broadway that October. It is Broadway's third longest-running show in history having earned six Tony Awards.
The show opened in London at the Lyceum Theatre on October 19, 1999, and the production is still running after more than 8,800 performances and two Olivier Awards, making it the 8th longest running show in the West End.
First thing's first - this show is everything you want from a Disney production. In fact, The Lion King takes the phrase 'immersive theatre' to another level, with full size animals making their way through the audience and beautiful bassy percussion bellowing into the auditorium. I've never seen the show before, but like so many others I've seen clips of single songs at Royal Variety Performances and been astounded by the staging, the costuming and the vocals - multiply that by 15 and you get an audience who were on their feet before the last bar of the finale hit.
To find enough adjectives to give this show it's due is almost impossible. It's cinematic, empowering, joyous and timeless with a cast who command your attention and exceed your expectations from the start.
Nosipho Nkonqa stepped in from the West End production to cover the role of Rafiki - the matriarch of the piece who has arguably the most recognisable vocal part; starting Circle of LIfe. Nkonqa's voice is incredible - powerful and heartfelt, she delivers humour when its needed and compassion when it's deserved. Alongside Jean Luc Guizonne's powerful take on Mufasa, we have a duo who have the audience in the palm of their hand.
Richard Hurst takes on Scar, a character that was immortalised by Jeremy irons in the big-screen version in 1994. I had some trepidation about whether Hurt would try and mimic Irons, or go with a completely different characterisation. It's definitely the former, but this isn't a caricature of (arguably) one of Disney's most famous villains. Hurt hit's just the right beat with Scar and his rendition of Be Prepared has all of the best bits of the original!
Special mention should also go to to Matthew Forbes who mustered the same level of concern in me with Zazu. Rowan Atkinson was a genius piece of casting in the film and, again, the character has certain traits that need to be there - and they were. Forbes has the bird down to a tee and has clearly mastered the puppetry side of his role because Zazu's facial expressions were unbelievably spot on!
The Lion King is a piece of theatrical magic. Striking emotions you weren't prepared to give but are so glad you could muster. Even though generations in the auditorium grew up with the story, so many of us were amazed we could remember dialogue, lyrics and - in some cases - whole scenes! Furthermore, what they cast and the creative team have put together on stage is visually and acoustically stunning and reason enough to see the show on its own.
The Lion King runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 16th September. For more information, or to get your tickets, head online to birminghamhippodrome.com.
