There are few films more iconic than the Lion King and the epic theatre production is just as legendary. After last taking the city by storm in 2019, the hit show is back at the Bristol Hippodrome once again and better than ever before - as Mark Taylor's review highlights.
As the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time after its UK premiere in London on October 19, 1999, Disney's The Lion King has been seen by over 16 million theatregoers and remains the best-selling musical in London.
Being one of the most-loved Disney films, the live show still manages to take on a new lease of life, featuring extensive experience staging, epic theatre and opera productions whilst also exploring classic myths through ritualised puppetry, mask, and movement.
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The original score from the animated film was expanded for the stage and now features 15 musical numbers as well as writing completely new songs. South African composer Lebo M created an evocative blend of African rhythms and chorales, with additional material by Julie Taymor and Mark Mancina. Elton John and Tim Rice have even added three new numbers to the five that they wrote for the award-winning score of the animated film.
The Bristol Hippodrome sees Stephenson Ardern-Sodje as Simba and Nokwanda Khuzwayo as Nala, having also played the role in Germany and Brazil. Ireland’s Alan Mchale will be returning in a new role as Timon with Cardiff born newcomer Owain Rhys Davies taking the role of Ed. They will join returning principals Matthew Forbes as Zazu, Jean-Luc Guizonne as Mufasa, Richard Hurst as Scar, Rebecca Omogbehin as Shenzi, Thandazile Soni as Rafiki, Carl Sanderson as Pumbaa and Simon Trinder as Banzai.
Speaking to Bristol Live, Ardern-Sodje said playing the role of Simba feels 'amazing'. "It's a cliché but as a young black boy, before I even know I wanted to be a performer I saw Simba and thought 'wow I'd love to be Simba'. To be the person who is that representation for the next generation of people in the audience is a joy."
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Arden-Sodje, Khuzwayo and Hurst all shared their happiness at being back on stage after the coronavirus pandemic, adding Bristol is a great place to perform. Richard Hurst is a local, having grown up in Bath and studied in Bristol. He said: "I have an attachment to Bristol, it's where it all started for me.
"I've performed at the hippodrome to me but there's something about the Lion King. We opened here in 2019 and then started here again. You meet people at the show that have booked tickets years in advance, they just have such a connection to the show."
Having performed in Locations across the globe Nokwanda Khuzwayoshe said "loves the energy" that the Bristol crowds saying "you can see the joy when people watch". Being off stage for so long Arden-Sodje said he was "nervous" that it wouldn't be the same coming back but has had his fears disproved as the crowds have brought the same excitement and energy levels as they did pre-pandemic.
The star actors also shared their thoughts and connections to their characters with Ardern-Sodje Khuzwayo saying it's a "dream come true to play a Disney Prince and Princess" also sharing how honoured they are to play the "vein of love and heartbeat" of the show, amidst other themes such a comedy and rivalry.
Hurst also touched on his connection to Scar, the villain of the show, who he believes is also "misunderstood". Speaking to Bristol Live he said in order to accurately portray an evil character is by getting the crowd to "absolutely understand" why they act in the way they do. "My way in is always to find the truth behind why he acts the way he acts. That's what makes villains so appealing, their great backstory," he said.
His connection to Scar truly shone through when he told Bristol Live that if he was to play an alternate character he would choose Mufasa, which is ironic considering Scar's character is entirely driven by his desire to take his older brother's place. Khuzwayoshe also touched on her connection to Nala, saying that she particularly feels it when performing the song Shadow Land.
All three were also united in promising that the opening scene is bound to "blow you away", with Ardern-Sodje saying the epic performance "takes the audience straight to the Pride Lands" and as I made sure to get my hands on tickets on their release next year, I look forward to seeing if their promise reigns true.
If you'd like to experience the iconic show first hand you can visit the ATG Tickets website to see if you can get your hands on the few limited tickets that are left.
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