Disney's The Lion King ★★★★ Lyceum Theatre | Extended Run


It is hard to believe that Disney's The Lion King has been running in the West End for over twenty years. It is certainly one of the company's best loved musical productions, and the audiences continue to fill the theatre. The tale of the lion cub, Simba, dealing with his own youthful shortcomings and overcoming the malevolence of his uncle, Scar, continues to resonate with audiences around the world. The narrative of the cub's growth to maturity and his assumption of his rightful place in the order of nature is brought to life by the extraordinary music and lyrics of Elton John and Tim Rice, and the ground-breaking costume and puppet design of Julie Taymor and Michael Curry. The scenic design of Richard Hudson is unforgettable and the opening sequence of the "Circle of Life" is positively awe-inspiring. The current cast with Thenjiwe Thendiva Nofemele as Rafiki, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, and George Asprey as Scar continue the strong tradition established by the original cast and we delighted in the humour of Gary Jordan's Zazu, Jamie McGregor's Timon, and Mark Roper's Pumbaa. Kayi Ushe does a fine turn as adult Simba, as does Janique Charles as adult Nala. Just as we have a new generation of cast members taking over from their predecessors, there is always a new audience for this powerful production. It's the circle of life!

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Catherine Ashmore.

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