Upstaged Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and celebrated for songs like ‘Circle of Life’ and ‘Hakuna Matata’, The Lion King is undoubtedly a hugely popular musical. Receiving its premiere on Broadway in 1997, the show has been seen by a whopping 110 million people in 100 cities around the world. Now in its 25th year, the show graces Manchester’s Palace Theatre for an extended run of 19 weeks.
Visually spectacular from the get-go – it’s clear to see that the show’s undisputed appeal lies in its design. Kaleidoscopic, striking and magical, the scenic design by Richard Hudson and costume, masks and puppetry by Julie Taymor and Michael Curry are rooted in sheer brilliance. A feast for the eyes.
As Rafiki’s spine-tingling solo voice calls out, percussionists play African drums from the boxes in the auditorium and the theatre is filled with colour. Birds swirl overhead, an array of manipulated animal puppets – big and small – herd up onto the stage. And as the ensemble belt out ‘The Circle of Life’ – it certainly triggers a heady mix of tense anticipation and warm nostalgia.
With over 50 performers in the cast, the show feels at its strongest during the ensemble pieces. Although the show lacks energy in parts, there are notable individual performances from Thandazile Soni as the old, wise mandrill Rafiki; both Young Simba and Young Nala were dynamic and passionate young performers, and comedy double act Alan McHale and Carl Sanderson, as Timon and Pumbaa respectively.
A wonderful synthesis of global theatre. Musically, The Lion King brings a homage to the heartlands of Africa in Lebo M and Mark Mancina’s stirring chants and mesmorising ensemble pieces, while the Western numbers by Elton John and Tim Rice give a familiar nod to the successful film.
Unfortunately, the brilliance of the ensemble pieces and the masterful design feel hampered by a thin plot and superficial characterisation. With a couple of references to the north of England woven into the script – Bury Market and Salford – everything felt untimely panto-ish. I suppose it’s (almost) the right time of year for it – but with such a dazzling show, set in Africa, do we really need reminding of our drizzly Mancunian setting?
Although The Lion King left me a little cold, I have no doubt that the sheer spectacle, easy-to-follow narrative and Disney film appeal will make it a hot ticket for families of young children.
-Kristy Stott
The Lion King runs at the Palace Theatre, Manchester until 11 March 2023.