Have you ever wished that you could experience watching your favourite movie for the first time all over again? Hear the jokes, feel the emotion and listen to the songs as though they were brand new?
For fans of the 1994 Disney classic The Lion King, that’s exactly how the breathtaking stage production feels - and it’s right here in Manchester for a whopping 19 weeks.
While The Lion King may not be the most obvious film to adapt for on-stage, it’s used those challenges to bring to life the majestic Serengeti Plains and the animals who, together, create the Circle of Life in the most magnificent way.
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As the curtain rises, Rafiki - played by Thandazile Soni - bellows the opening of what is arguably the most recognisable Disney movie intro in the catalogue. From that moment onwards, Palace Theatre - a fittingly named venue to host The Lion King - was transformed into the savanna of the Pride Lands as animals emerged from every corner of the room.
Within seconds the stage was alive with colour and movement - a feast for the eyes as heads spun to see almost life-size elephants wading through the auditorium, while gazelles leapt and birds flew into the rafters.
The parade to see Simba welcomed into the world was a spectacle to behold, and showcased wonderfully the glorious artistry and innovation we were about to be immersed in for the next two and a half hours.
For those living under Pride Rock for the last 28 years, The Lion King follows the story of young Simba, heir of Mufasa as he prepares to take over the Pride Lands. However, his evil uncle, Scar, ascends to the throne after getting Mufasa out of the way and exiling the young Prince. But with a little help from his friends, Timon, Pumbaa, and Nala - and a clip around the ear from Rafiki, he returns to his homeland to take back the kingdom.
Julie Taymor and Michael Curry’s puppetry design is imperative to this production. The musical sees a phenomenal 232 puppets bring the story alive, including rod, shadow, masks and full-sized, featuring 25 species of animal from tiny insects to giraffes and elephants. It’s a mechanical and technical engineering masterpiece that was crafted over 34,000 hours. That’s around three years and eight months working 24/7.
I’ve previously only ever seen such talented puppetry on stage for Warhorse - but The Lion King takes this skill to a whole new scale.
The set is simply spectacular, moving fluidly from scene to scene, from the gloomy elephant graveyard to the warmth of the Pride Lands. But it was how Richard Hudson’s scenic design had been used to recreate the vast African landscape on such a finite space that was mesmerising. The creative use of perspective was particularly awe-inspiring - the wildebeest stampede being especially intelligent.
Those who have watched the film time after time will be familiar with the script, mostly staying true to the Disney classic, although Zazu does a fantastic job of Manc-ing it up, joking ‘we should send you back to Salford’. Young theatregoers will also appreciate the addition of a Frozen song as the hornbill rubs Scar up the wrong way.
Speaking of music, the much loved score from Elton John and Tim Rice remains the backbone of this musical production, including He Lives In You and Can You Feel The Love Tonight. Hakuna Matata was an obvious audience favourite, while new additions to the song list were also well received, despite being unfamiliar.
There are so many moving parts to The Lion King, it’s impossible to mention them all - but of course, none of it could have been done without the brilliant cast, made up predominantly of Black actors, many of whom channelled their heritage for a show rooted in South African culture, music and history.
Stephenson Ardern-Sodje steps into the role of adult Simba with a boyish charm, but with the help of graceful and headstrong Nokwanda Khuzwayo as Nala, he soon realises he must follow in the footsteps of Mufasa, powerfully portrayed by Jean-Luc Guizonne.
Prickly Scar, portrayed by Richard Hurst, plays the perfect villain and brought the perfect amount of quick wit and sarcasm to his role. Ever humorous was Matthew Forbes’ Zazu, who was probably my favourite character of the evening.
Matthew expertly manoeuvred Zazu’s puppet throughout the night, talking, singing and performing. He’s both at one with the feathery character as Zazu, but Matthew is almost a separate character in his own right, as part of what Taymor calls the ‘double event’ - and everyone adored him.
Providing even more comedy is, of course, Alan McHale and Carl Sanderson as Timon and Pumbaa. If you want to see a meerkat in drag doing the Charleston, then The Palace Theatre is the place to be.
A special mention must go to Stockport’s very own Simon Trinder as Banzai the Hyena, as well as Thandazile Soni, who’s feminine recreation of Rafiki is fantastic, bringing humour and an amazing vocal to her role as the only character without a mask or puppet. For the audience, she IS Rafiki.
This beautifully reimagined on stage production of a beloved animated classic is a powerful, emotive and completely unique show that I’ll remember forever. It’s visually spectacular, completely immersive and absolutely breathtaking. It truly is the King of Musicals, and the roars from the audience were proof enough that it’s not one to be missed.
The world-famous musical is on now at The Palace Theatre, in Manchester, and will run until March 11. You can book your tickets to see the show online here. I highly recommend trying to get an aisle seat in the stalls, if you can.
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