... I recieved my tickets to The Lion King musical as a christmas gift this year, my mum and sisters had seen it previously and had decided we would all go together. I know the show has already recieved 27 Chio reviews but i had the most amazing time and cannot get the show out of my head, it ... Read review
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Advantages: An experience you'll never forget (this will be a long review!) Disadvantages: I wanted to cry half the time the music was so moving.
...I recieved my tickets to The Lion King musical as a christmas gift this year, my mum and sisters had seen it previously and had decided we would all go together. I know the show has already recieved 27 Chio reviews but i had the most amazing time and cannot get the show out of my head, it deserves all the reviews people can give.
I thoroughly enjoyed this show and am passionate about it, i have so much i could say and feel i must warn ... ...you can, scan through the bits that interest you or just go for it and read the lot!
What they say-
"Set against the majesety of the Serengeti Plains & the evocative rythms of Africa Disneys multi award winning musical "the Lion King" will redefine your expectations of theatre. A specatacular feast, this adaption of disneys much loved film transports audiences to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious ... more
I had my first experience of this musical when I saw a clip of it on a royal variety performance, I was desperate to see it since then. I recieved my tickets to The Lion King musical as a christmas gift this year, my mum and sisters had seen it previously and had decided we would all go together. I know the show has already recieved 27 Chio reviews but i had the most amazing time and cannot get the show out of my head, it deserves all the reviews people can give.
I thoroughly enjoyed this show and am passionate about it, i have so much i could say and feel i must warn you this will be a LONG review. Get out while you can, scan through the bits that interest you or just go for it and read the lot!
What they say- "Set against the majesety of the Serengeti Plains & the evocative rythms of Africa Disneys multi award winning musical "the Lion King" will redefine your expectations of theatre. A specatacular feast, this adaption of disneys much loved film transports audiences to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music."
The Lion King originally opened on Broadway and was an instant hit, it came over to the uk in 1997 and has been resident in the Lyceum Theatre ever since. Most performances are sell outs and you have to book well in advance if you want good seats.
THE SHOW In the following descriptions brackets contain songs accompanying the scene.
THE STORY- Based on the original disney movie this stage version follows the story 99% with a few tiny added bits, these however do not detract from the storyline rather they enhance it. There are also some new songs(a few which were later added to the movie)
Act 1- Pride rock- the show opens with a solitary character on stage Rafiki the wise baboon, she(a he in the movie is a she on stage) calls to the animals to pride rock(circle of life) she greets king Mufasa and his queen Sarabi, lifting their newborn cub into the air for all the animals to see.
Scars cave-Mufasa's younger brother Scar is lamenting the unfairness of life. he resents the new prince and his place as the next in line to be king. Mufasa arrives to question Scars absence from the earlier ceremony.
Rafikis tree-Rafiki calls upon the spirits to conjure the name of the new cub- Simba, she draws a picture of him on the trunk of a tree.
The pridelands-(grassland chant)Mufasa leads Simba to the summit of pride rock to look down on the pridelands that will one day be simbs to rule. Mufasa explains the delicate circle of life and warns his son never to go beyond the boundaries of the pridelands. Zazu arrives to report on the activities in the pridelands (Morning report) they learn that hyenas are in the pridelands and Mufasa leaves to deal with them.
Scars cave-Simba visits his uncle in his cave, playing on the cubs curious nature Scar tells him about the forbidden land beyond the boundaries and lets slip that it is an elephant graveyard.
The pridelands-(lioness hunt) after the lionesses have hunted Simba invites his young friend Nala to explore an exciting new place. The mothers agree as long as Zazu accompanies them. Simba joyfully describes how he will be king (I just cant wait to be king) he and Nala manage to give Zazu the slip.
Elephant graveyard-They explore the creepy elephant graveyard, Zazu catches up to them and begs them to leave but it is too late and they have already been spotted by Banzai, Shenzi and Ed- 3 hungry hyenas(Chow down) Mufasa arrives in time to save the cubs and takes them back to the pridelands.
Under the stars-Mufasa tells simba he is dissapointed in him, Simba tries to explain that he was trying to be brave like his dad. Simba asks if they will always be together and Mufasa explains to him that the stars are the spirits of kings of the past looking over them(They live in you)
Elephant graveyard-Scar is annoyed with the 3 hyenas but tells them to prepare for the death of Mufasa and Simba, Scar is going to be king(Be prepared)
The gorge-Scar takes Simba down into the gorge under the pretense that Mufasa has a suprise for him. As Scar leaves he signals to the hyena who start a wildebeest stampede. Scar tells Mufasa that there is a stampede in the gorge and that Simba is there. (The stampede)Mufasa goes to the young cubs aid and manages to save him, he just makes it to safety on a rock face but when he asks Scar for help scar throws him from the cliff and under the feet of the stampeding wildebeests. As the dust clears simba finds Mufasas lifeless body, Scar convinces Simba that it is his fault and that he should run away. As Simba runs the hyenas are told to finish him off, theyre too lazy hough and allow Simba to escape into the desert.
Pride rock-Rafiki and the lionesses mourn their loss(Eulogy) Scar climbs pride rock to assume the throne(be prepared reprise)
Rafikis tree- Rafiki, Sarabi and Nala are left alone, they sing a mourning chant and Rafiki wipes away the image of Simba.
The desert/The jungle-Buzzards sweep over an exhausted Simba who has collapsed under the heat of the sun. Timon and Pumbaa charge in and drive away the birds, they befriend Simba. Simba stays with his new friends in their jungle home growing into a young adult lion(Hakuna Matata).
Act 2- Entr'acte- The chorus welcome the audience back(one by one) a colourful scene full of hope. Birds fly overhead above the pridelands but as the song ends the birds are replaced by buzzards and skeletons skatter the pridelands. Scar has ignored the circle of life and the pridelands are now dry and lifeless.
Scars cave-Scar complains of being unloved, king is no longer enough(The madness of king Scar), he decides he needs to secure his legacy, with a bride they could produce cubs.
The pridelands- Nala leaves the pridelans(Shadowland) and Rafiki blesses her before she leaves
The jungle- Simba leads the trio through the jungle in search of a place to rest, he is never happy wherever they settle though,something is missing. Simba easily leaps over a fast flowing river but Timon is unable to make it and falls into the water, he hangs perilously from a branch, at the top of a waterfall as hungry crocdiles wait below, Simba suffers a flashback to his fathers death and is unable to help his friend. Timon falls into the water and Pumbaa and Simba try to haul him out onto the bank. Later as they lay under the stars they debate what the stars mean, Simba reveals his belief that the stars are the souls of his ancestors but finds his friends laughing at him. He walks off, looking to the sky and remembering his father(Endless night)
Rafikis tree- Back at her tree the baboon overhears Simbas song as it travels on the wind, she once again conjures his image on the tree trunk.
The jungle-Pumbaa enters chased by a lioness, Simba comes to his aid and fights the lioness, he soon realises its Nala. She reveals to Timon and Pumbaa that Simba is meant to be king. Left alone the couple realise the true depth of their feelings for eachother(can you feel the love tonight) Nala tells Simba of the fate of the pridelands but unable to face his past he refuses to return, they argue and Simba runs off angrilly. He meets Rafiki in the jungle and she tells Simba his father is still alive, she leads him to a pool but Simba protests when all he sees is his reflection(He lives in you) a vision of Mufasa appears and reminds Simba who he is and what he needs to do.
Pride rock- Simba has returned and is joined by Timon, Pumbaa and Nala, while Timon and Pumbaa try to distract the hyenas Simba goes to find Scar. Scar calls for Sarabi, Simbas mother, and tells her the lionesses must improve their hunting, she refuses saying they need to move on as there is nothing left in the pridelands. Simba sees scar strike his mother and charges at scar in a rage, Scar forces Simba to admit to the pride who killed Mufasa, and backs him up to a cliff edge (Simba confronts Scar)as Simba stumbles Scar tells him in a whisper that it was he who killed Mufasa not Simba. A battle rages between the lionesses and the hyenas. Scar begs Simba for his life, . Simba tells him to run and never return echoing Scars own words. In one last act of violence Scar goes to attack Simba.
As dawn breaks Simbas friends gather round him, he embraces Rafiki who adorns him with the kings mantle. He climbs pride rock, letting out a huge roar(king of pride rock) Nala joins him and Rafiki holds up their newborn cub for all the lions to see(king of lion rock/circle of life reprise)
THE SONGS- The music in the show is fantasically written combining orcatrated music and african rythm and percussion. the lyrics are all beautiful and meaningfull, perfectly bringing across the mood and feeling of the character and situation.
Circle of life- the introduction to the show, starts with one strong voice and gradually as rafiki calls the animals more voices join. it is a celebratory song full of african voice and symbolises the hope and promise the new prince brings. it is breathtakningly performed and makes you tingle all over.
The morning report- Starting quite regally this is a fun filled song, fast paced and quite a challenge for the actor playing zazu, the lyrics feature lots of animal related puns "chimps are going ape, giraffes remain above it all.........." young simba joins in and it has a very youthfull playfull feel.
I just cant wait to be king-another fun song for the 2 young actors to perform. it is the same as the animated film, full of african percussion and is very uplifting.
Chow down- a new song for the theatre, the 3 hyenas describe how they are going to eat the cubs"i think we'd better start this meal frm scratch, so many juicy segments to detatch" this is more sinister than the previous songs it is quite heavily guitar and drum based and you can feel the threat to the youngsters, as with all the songs this one has great lyrics.
They live in you-this is a beautiful soulfull tune, sang by Mufasa, he is explaining to Simba how his ancestors will always be there for him "they're watching over everything we see, in every creature, in every star, in your reflection, they live in you" It starts very mellow but becomes more passionate as he attempts to get the message accross. It is a very emotional song and sounds fantastic with the depth of Mufasas voice supported by african voices.
Be prepared-Scar convinces the hyenas to help him kill mufasa and simba, it is another sinister number verging on militant. it is another number that starts slower but gradually reaches a crescendo as the hyenas join in with the song. The lyrics are genius, with Scar openly insulting the hyenas yet still getting them to follow him "its clear from your vacant expressions, the lights are not all on upstairs"
Hakuna matata- probably the most famous song from the lion king, this classic hasnt been interfered with at all. It is another song of celebration whos beat will get everyone swaying along.
The madness of king Scar- Scars madness is easily picked up with the song as the pace changes slow to fast and back again. The hyenas attempt to convince him he's loved but he's still haunted by Mufasa. There are comic elements to the song when Banzai compares Scars empty feeling to worms! and when Scar realises he's talking to himself, all through the slightly crazy Ed sings and dances completely out of sync with the rest of them.
Shadowland-set to music from the original movie, Shadowland is a sad song sang by Nala as she prepares to leave her home. she asks for her friends prayers to guide her and their passionate voices support hers in this increasingly dramatic song. You can truly feel her sorrow for the fate of her home and her decision to leave. The melody in this song will make you cold and as the song reaches its peak it takes your breath away.
Endless night-starting quietly in hushed tones this song is simba's cry to his father. He knows the world must carry on but cannot accept his loss or understand why his father is not there for him. The lyrics are desperately sad with simba telling how alone he feels and how he is holding on to hear his fathers voice "im trying to hold on, jut waiting to hear your voice. One word, just a word will do to end this nightmare" it is incredibly passionate. The music accompanying the song is quite mellow allowing you to truly feel Simbas emotion(I cried at this one)
Can you feel the love tonight- another classic from the movie this song remains the same, with one small extended instumental section. It is introduced by Timon and Pumbaa, worrying they will lose their friend, as it was in the movie accompanied by the orcastra, it is taken over by female voices and african percussion with Simba and Nala singing their thoughts.
He lives in you- this is almost a reprise of the earlier song "They live in you" in this version Rafiki is tring to show Simba that his fathers memory lives in him. sang this time by Rafiki whos is initially accompanied by female voices. Once again it starts slowly as she tries to convince Simba of what she is saying, as he slowly begins to realise the truth the song picks up with more voices and instruments joining the song, there is an instrumental section where a vision of mufasa appears and speaks to Simba, as the image dissapears and Simba realises his father really i there for him the song virtually explodes in the most uplifting way, the percussion joins and the actors sing more passionately than they have in the other numbers with Simba joining them. It almost seems louder than the other songs and sweeps you along with the feeling of joy the characters are trying to portray. This is another song that I loved and made me cry, it made my heart swell with happiness as its was at its peak.
Circle of life reprise-a shorter version of the opening song but no less passionate and with no less effect, it draws the show to a close with a crescendo of voices and the deep boom of a drum.
There are several other musical pieces and songs in the show but i have mentioned my particular favourites.
CHOREOGRAPHY The dancing is choreographed wonderfully to include animal like movements as well as more tribal styles of movement. background animals like the cheetah, gazelles, birds, elephant, rhino are all choreogrphed to move just as the animal would, but the human parts of them that are visable also have to move in an animal like way.
Can you feel the love tonight-in the middle of the song there is an instrumental section, meant to represent the scene in the movie where a cloud of butterflys swirl around the 2 lions and the jungle. a couple(very scatinly clad) take centre stage and dance together in a more classical style than the other routines, 2 further couples join the scene but are suspended from wires and dance in the air. it is very effective giving the effect of gracefullness you would expect from a large gathering of butterflys. you really get the feeling that the 2 lions are falling in love.
Costumes- The costumes are very cleverly made representing the animals but not taking away the human element. you are always aware that the stars are humans controlling the most amazing costumes. many are half puppet with moving limbs that when controlled by the actors seem almost lifelike.
Zazu's character is actually played by a man in a suit with a hornbill puppet that he controls with his own hands and a complex string mechanism, they never make exceuses for the fact that you are able to see the actor, in fact his presence is embraced. Timons actor isnt as obvious as Zazu's, he is a far larger puppet then Zazu and the man controlling him is painting completely green. you can tell he's there and controlling the character but he's more in the background than Zazus actor.
Mufasa and Scar have lion masks above their heads which mechanically come foward when they show aggression, they also adorn 2 machete like weapons in their hands, when fighting, to represent claws. the other lions masks are placed atop their heads. All the lions walk on 2 legs however the choreography and costumes give them an animal like feel.
The hyenas are another wonder of puppetry with the rear legs belonging to the actor but the front legs and head being controlled by the actors hands. During more complex dance scenes a selection of the hyenas are men in simpler suits that have no puppetry to worry about, the hyena head is worn atop their head in much the same way as the lionesses, allowing much easier movement while dancing.
With all the animals you are able to see the actor, the are not cartoony at all, rather than being made of bright colours or plastic/latex they are more natural and are made with african printed cloths upon frame works.
The giraffes are achieved by using 2 very talented actors, the giraffes limbs are achieved by using stilts on the actors feet and supports, held by their hands, shaped like front legs, they wear a head including a long neck atop their heads. the skill needed to control these outfits is of huge proporsions, verging on circus skills.
I just cant wait to be king-as with the movie this is alot more brightly coloured than the rest of the scenes, meant to represent Simbas young imagination, other than him, Zazu and Nala all the characters in this scene wear more exaggerated costumes and are not in proportion, they appear like they would if you asked a young child to draw them.
One by One- this is the only song where the actors wear normal costumes and not animals, they wear brightly coloured satin outfits and head gear carrying with them tall flexible poles with cloth birds attached, as they move the poles the birds soar overhead.
Effects- As the story is set on the african plains certain things aren't easy to achieve or portray properly with the human actors, the show employs a few ways of achieving these things.
They use ancient eastern shadow puppetry especially in complex battle scenes like that between the lionesses and hyenas. This is where a 2d puppet is behind a fabric screen with a light casting its shadow from behind.
The show also uses smaller puppets controlled by the actors in scenes such as the chase involving nala and pumbaa. you start with the smaller puppets making their way around the stage, giving an impression of depth and distance. as the puppets approach the front of the stage the real actors take their place.
I just cant wait to be king-as in the movie this scene is brightly coloured and is the only cartoony element of the show. The actors representing the animals are larger sized and coloured brightly as if a child was imagining them. The 2 cubs ride atop 2 large mechanical birds.
During "he lives in you" a large image of Mufasa appears behing Simba and Rafiki, this is achieved by several cast members in dark clothes bringing onto the stage large puzle like pieces, when they are held correctly they form Mufasas face, which is lit to give a ghostly feel
One of the most effective scenes is that of the wildebeest stampede, obviously not an easy one to portray on stage it is very cleverly achieved. furthest away on the stage is a screen which shows stampeding wildebeest in the distance, as the move closer a trapdoor opens and what can only be described as a long horizontal roller rises, the roller features sculpted wildebeest and gives the impression they are drawing closer. finally another trap door opens and actors dressed as wildebeest rise up. as they dance it appears that they are moving ever foward and closer to the audience. Either side of the stampede is a rock face on which Mufasa and Simba seek shelter and from which Scar throws Mufasa to his death. It is a difficult scene to describe effectively, it is outstanding, achieving the impression of a stampede genuinely moving towards you.
Scenery- The show features fabulous moving scenery including pride rock, Scars cave and the elephant graveyard. The stage is littered with trap doors from which different scenery or characters appears. Pride rock itself actually cork screws out from under the stage.
Alot of the plant life is represented by the costumed actors. Even the grass of the plains and a whirlwind are cleverly represented by actors.
There are cloth backdrops covered in lights which appear like starlight, vines hanging from the ceiling during certain jungle scenes and steam vents open in the ground of the elephant graveyard. The backdrop and lighting constantly changes to suit the scene and the mood it is trying to achieve.
In one of the jungle scenes, when Simba is trying out his first insects for dinner, several trap doors are opened in the stage and inflatable cacti pop out. this scene takes place during the Hakuna Matata song and the cacti even go limp at he mention of Pumbaas wind.
THE CAST- The cast of the lion king come together perfectly, their voices all melting together giving you the most beautiful sound.
Mufasa- Scott Micheal Bourne The character is played in very much the same way he is shown in the movie, a large powerfull character with a deep booming voice and incredible presence.
Scar- James Simmons The character of scar is probably less sinister than the movie shows him but is very well played with the actor clearly showing his own idea of scars character rather than copying jeremy irons who voiced scar in the film.
Rafiki- Brown Lidiwe Mklize This is a fantasic character, very complex to have to portray. the actress has a wonderful grasp on the language rafiki uses, the most powerful voice ive heard and has based the character on ancient african shamans, moving and acting in the same way they would.
Simba(adult)-Brian Thembe Makiwane The character of older simba is portrayed in much the same way as in the movie, troubled by his past and unable to move on. the actor is fantasic, being able to maintain notes during songs whilst cartwheeling, spinning jumping and swinging on a vine. He has an amazing soulfull voice, you can really feel the emotion when he sings.
Timon-Nick Mereer Pumbaa-Howard Crossly Both the characters of timon and pumbaa are portrayed in much the same way as they were in the movie, timon is still wise cracking and sarcastic, pumbaa still has his innocence and goof nature. the interaction between the characters is fantastic. The voices are kept very much the same aswell.
------------------------------------------------------------ ----------- ------ CREATIVE TEAM Music and Lyrics- Elton John Tim Rice Lebo M Mark Mancina Jay Rifkin Hans Zimmer
Choreography-Gart Fagen Scenic Design-Richard Hudson Lighting Design-Donald Holder Mask and Puppet Co-Designer-Micheal Curry Make up and hair designer-Micheal Ward Resident Director-Alexandra Sumner Hughes Resident Dance Supervisor-Thea Barnes Music director/supervisor and conductor-Clement Ishmael
Prices- Tues-Thurs £20-£49 Fri & Sun £22-£52.50 Sat £22.50-£55
Tickets are available from the Lyceum Theatre, Wellington street, London through their box office.
Tickets are also available via Thisistheatre.com, Ticketmaster and other ticket sales agents. Coach operators do day trips, we traveled with peter carol who picked us up, dropped us off at a pre seleted hotel for lunch and picked us up outside the theatre after the show to bring us home again, their Lion King theatre trips start from £109.95 on late availability for the same package I mentioned above. Coach operators, including Belle Coaches and Stage Coach, prices will vary depending on the type of trip you choose, information will be available on their websites or type "Lion KIng Coach Trips" into your internet search and you'll get lots of sites to choose from.
Obviously you can buy tickets on their own and make your own transport arrangements if you desire.
The nearest tube station to the theatre is Covent Garden tube station.
Nearby Hotels include-
Strand Palace Hotel, 0.3km away, from £64.50 Seven Dials Hotel, 0.3km away, from £55.00 Thistle Bloomsbury 0.5km away, from £88.12 Thistle Charing Cross, 0.5km away, from £110.00
Merchandise is available from the theatre including programmes(from £5, cast programme or photo programme) t-shirts(from 1-2 years and up,from £9), keyrings(from £3), mugs, caps, pens, umbrellas, soft toys and soundtrack(£16).
The Lion King has recieved numerous awards both in the uk and abroad, a few of these include-
Laurence Olivier Award for choreography and costume Ivor Novello Music Award for International achievement in theatre Grammy Award for best musical show album Astaire Award for outstanding choreography Tony Award for scenic design, lighting design, costume and more.
As with the awards over the years Lion KIng will have recieved numerous different reviews, below are a few-
"An astonishing achievement of theatrical imagination" London Evening Standard
"A seemless blend of story and spectacle"Sunday Times
"Puts most other mega musicals in the shade" Sunday Telegraph
I sat in the theatre excitedly awaiting the start of the show. as the lights went out the whole auditorium fell silent and looked to the lone figure on the stage, as she called out her opening note, a cry to the animals of the plains, I immediately realised it was going to be an amazing show, there was so much power and passion already, if the rest of the show was anywhere near as good as the opening number I would leave a very satisfied customer.
I wasnt let down, song after song amazed me. the dance sequences were fantastic and the actors were wonderful. The 2 youngsters playing simba and nala were extremely talented for such young kids and handled the fact that they were performing to a very full house with ease, never did you see a sign of nerves or a mistake.
I already knew the story of the lion king, having seen the movie, so it was easy to follow and Ii was pleased they hadnt strayed from the original plot.
I was with a group of 7 people including my other half and my sister, who were sat either side of me. Not one of us uttered a word through the performance, we all sat there fixated. when the interval came you couldnt stop us from discussing our favourite bits so far and how good it was. my favourite scene from the first half was probably "be prepared" the song is brilliant and the marching and dancing hyenas were incredible, the song starts off quite hypnotic but becomes quite militant.
The 2nd half was equally as good as the first half. there is an equal amount of drama and emotion in each half and you dont get the feeling that the story is lacking at any point. simba is an adult in the 2nd half, which is mostly made up with him, pumbaa, timon and scar, obviously the other characters do feature but the main story really circles around simba.
I had several favourite songs in the 2nd half including "shadowland" "endless night" and "he lives in you" they are all very moving songs but if I had to choose one from the 3 it would have to be "he lives in you" the beginning is slow and moving but it builds up and becomes a wonderfully celebratory song that really lifts your spirits and makes you feel that everything is going to be ok.
Younger people watching it will love the characters of Timon, Pumbaa and ed. they're very well played and garenteed to raise a laugh. No one can resist tapping along to "Hakuna Matata" its very much feel good song and raises a smile as young Simba swings off stage and is replaced by big Simba.
I was intrigued by the different puppetry methods used but impressed. It made more sense than say having a full size Pumbaa and Nala chasing across the stage, it certainly added depth. Costume wise the baby elephant has to be my favourite, it is worn by one of the young girl actresses and her energy and joy really comes out in the movement of the young elephant.
Sadly, of course, it had to come to an end and knowing the plot did lead to a certain amount of counting down, you knew what scenes were left to come. It ended as big as it had begun which was only fitting, anything less would have been a let down but this didnt dissapoint.
The cast had 3 curtain calls and each lead character was introduced to recieve their own applause. in true panto style Scar, being the bad guy, recieved a huge round of boo's, much to the actors delight.
I loved every second of the show and would not hesitate to see it again. the distance and price is well worth it for what you experience and how good it makes you feel. I came away humming the songs and havent stopped since. I highly recommend getting a copy of the soundtrack, it doesnt feature the current cast but is excellent none the less and will give you a perfect reminder of what a fantastic show it was. I always end up dancing around the kitchen to "he lives in you" and "be prepared" in particular. Listen to it nice and loud!
I would 100% recommend this show, it may have been running for a while but its lost none of its magic. The only negative things I can think to say is I wish it could have run longer, despite being 2 hours and 45 minutes long, I never wanted it to end. Being in London is also a bit on the tricky side as there is quite alot of travelling to do if you don't live local, I don't mind doing the journey it just means I cant see it as regularly as I wish I could.
Go to - Disney.co.uk/musicaltheatre/thelionking - for more information pictures and song clips.
Advantages: It's so good... Disadvantages: ...you'll want to go again the next night
Aristotle in his 'Poetics' named the principal elements of a play as Plot, Character, Diction, Thought, Spectacle and Song, in order of decreasing importance. He probably wouldn't have cared much for The Lion King, whose plot and characterisation may not be the strongest but which cannot be faulted as far as spectacle and song are concerned.
You might be used to live-action versions of Disney films imitating the animation as much as possible, with ... ...the appearance of Pluto, Dopey or Mrs Potts. The Lion King has been given a much more liberal interpretation thanks to innovative director/designer Julie Taymor, a brave move which allows the show to go far beyond the boundaries of a cartoon. Rest assured, this is no Mickey Mouse production. The show starts with a single voice crying out in a foreign tongue. The lights go up, but gradually, simulating dawn on the savannah. From either side of the ...
Worrals 03.09.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Lion King / Lyceum Theatre (London)
Advantages: Visually Amazing, Cleverly Lit Disadvantages: Lacks that certain something; too many puppets
...my knees," one reviewer at The Express said of the stage version of The Lion King, and I have to question that as I reckon that's probably anatomically impossible. However, they went on to say: "Is The Lion King as good as they say it is? - Dammit, yes!"
With such ringing, if slightly dumbed-down, endorsements as that, and others like this: "It lights up the West End with a blaze of fabulous imagination," (The Evening Standard) and "A ravishing ... ...Rice and Elton John from the 1994 Disney animated movie, The Lion King, this stage production tells the story of Simba, a young lion cub who is set to inherit his father's kingdom. Unfortunately, for the young cub, his uncle Scar is none-too-happy about being displaced as the heir to the throne and sets out to take his rightful place as King. To do this, he must dispose of Simba's father, Mustafa, and the young cub himself. Fortunately, for Simba, ...
markd_uk 09.02.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Lion King / Lyceum Theatre (London)
Advantages: Adults & Children will appreciate. Highly theatrical. Catchy songs Disadvantages: Rather expensive
...good look around)...so I've taken the chance to share with you all my views on one of London's hottest shows at the moment...THE LION KING! INTRO ~
As EVERYONE probably knows, Disney's THE LION KING started life as an animation film from 1994 - winning 2 oscars. You could be forgiven for thinking how on earth can they put this animation where the central characters are animals, on stage. Following Disney's broadway smash, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Julie ... ...one of the bag and has won countless awards, including Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical.
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The theatricality involved in this production is immense. Do not, for one moment think you will be watching people dressed up as animals a la 'pantomine horse'...the audience are invited to take a leap of imagination on a journey through the African plains to Pride Rock and meet the mane (nothing like a good pun) characters.
WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT ...
MarcoG 25.07.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Lion King / Lyceum Theatre (London)
Advantages: Stunning, ingenious costumes and visuals, classic musical numbers well-performed. Disadvantages: New songs and scenes are noticeably weaker.
...variety of roles - nonetheless, the challenge facing the producers of the Lion King musical - of bringing the whole of the African Savannah convincingly to the stage - must have been a daunting one. If the prospect of bringing together a cast of anthropomorphic Lions, Hyenas, Elephants, Giraffes and the like is one you struggle to visualise, you should try to avoid seeing anything of the show before going, as the first scene is a spectacle like little ... ...The Circle of Life, the potential of the set design is immediately realised as a half-moon panel in the floor slides open and, with the centre of the stage rotating, Pride Rock rises up until it stands tall over the gathering creatures below. Each new arrival seems more impressive and creatively designed than the last, from the soaring birds swooping low over the audience in the stalls and the multitudes of gazelle, through to the elephant that arrives ...
Puggers 09.07.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Lion King / Lyceum Theatre (London)
Advantages: Non-Stop Entertainment Disadvantages: It Rained :o(
...received a ticket to see The Lion King as a surprise Christmas Present a couple of years back.
Although it wasn't my favourite Disney title (when will they bring a Toy Story musical to Broadway?) I must admit to being pretty excited to see this, as I hadn't been to the theatre in quite sometime.
Having ditched the car for the night, we (My girlfriend & myself) decided to embrace public transport *gasp* - For those of you who don't know, most of ... ...and are served excellently by the tube & buses. The journey in itself was uneventful which came as a welcome surprise, and the Theatre was within 2 minutes walking distance from the station. One of the excellent things about Covent Garden is the free street entertainment which at times is very, well, entertaining! As we'd arrived with plenty of time before the doors opened, we did as any young couple would be advised to do when killing time in London ...
Gawain_dc 17.09.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Lion King / Lyceum Theatre (London)
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