REVIEW: The Lion King – Birmingham Hippodrome

REVIEW: The Lion King – Birmingham Hippodrome

★★★★★

Disney’s The Lion King is back on tour, now at the Birmingham Hippodrome – for the first time in 10 years! On until Saturday 16th September, this musical based on the hit 1994 animated film, is delighting audiences of all ages. Book Here!

Disney’s The Lion King premiered on Broadway in 1997 and in London in 1999. Since then, the smash-hit show has toured the world, being seen by more than 110 million people. Now on its second-ever UK tour, the show doesn’t fail to captivate audiences. Set in the Serengeti, Disney’s The Lion King tells the story of Simba’s epic journey to fulfil his destiny as King of the Pridelands. Featuring beloved songs from the original film, this stage musical adaptation adds a few more musical numbers.

Just because it’s a touring production, it doesn’t mean this show has a smaller production scale than the Broadway or West End versions. There are more than 230 different puppets and it takes roughly 150 people to put the show on each night, with 50 cast and 100 crew members.

Kyle Richardson brings great energy as Simba, bringing smooth and refined vocals, especially during ‘Endless Night’. Mufasa is played by Jean-Luc Guizonne who uses excellent characterisation to become a strong father figure for Simba. Richard Hurst plays the villainous Scar who plans to take the throne away from Simba & Mufasa. Hurst brings an excellently menacing performance – highlighted in the number ‘Be Prepared’.

Matthew Forbes, Alan McHale and Carl Sanderson have expert comic timing as Zazu, Timon and Pumba, respectively. McHale and Sanderson have especially good chemistry, enhanced when Richardson’s Simba completes the trio. The trio of hyenas: Shenzi, Banzai & Ed – played by Candida Mosoma, Michael Jermimiah & Alex Bloomer – all exert excellent stage presence. The three use expert puppeteering skills to bring a sense of intimidation and evilness, as Scar’s disciples.

With the impressive set pieces and lighting design, the show is a theatrical spectacle – featuring iconic Music & Lyrics by Elton John & Tim Rice. The combination of intricate puppet and costume design and special effects also helps make this show even more immersive. From the second the curtain rises, the triumphant musical score and vocals let you know you’re in for a treat. The opening number ‘The Circle Of Life‘ is an experience itself and expertly establishes the show’s tone from the outset.

Directed by Julie Taymor, Disney’s The Lion King makes for a theatrically engaging watch throughout – the use of colour, artistic set pieces and intricate choreography all enhance this production’s magnitude. While the book and pacing could be improved in places, the sensational music and talented cast make this one of the most memorable and captivating musicals of all time. You don’t want to miss this Summer treat at the Birmingham Hippodrome until 16th September – book here!