‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight…’ The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre, London 14.10.2021

It appears that my return to West End this year, has a slight theme…Disney. After seeing Frozen, my good friend has always wanted to see The Lion King and by chance it was TodayTix’s London theatre week which meant amazing seats at amazing prices! So my next theatre trip was booked with a click!

The Lion King is the Disney 1994 film brought to life on stage, it tells the story of young lion prince, Simba, next to the throne following in his father Mufasa steps but then makes his uncle Scar the second in line to the throne. Scar plots with the hyenas to kill King Mufasa and Prince Simba, in hope of making himself King. Mufasa is sadly killed and Simba is led to believe by Scar that it was his fault, flees the kingdom in shame. After years of exile he is persuaded to return home to overthrow the usurper and claim the kingdom and his rightful place as King.

This would be my 5th return to the Pridelands at Lyceum Theatre and no matter how many times that you see this show, you will leave smiling and in awe of what you have watched. As as it always has set out to be, it is not the telling of the story Julie Taymor wished to show but how it was told. From the very beginning the audiences applauses and cheers through the first song as the characters/animals are brought to life by stunning puppetry. The cheetah will always be my favourite! But also, the way that they bring the scenes to life as with the limited amount of staging it is the talented cast that become the Grass or the Grassland, the foliage of the jungle, its just beautiful with every scene!

But, this is not possible without the cast to portray the iconic cast!

George Asprey has been in this role since the last time I saw this, unfortunately he wasn’t performing that night but I was so happy to see that he was on tonight! He was my favourite Scar, he really embedded the character and made sure not only was he evil but made sure he has the light humour that we love about Scar and his one liners. You can tell he loves playing the role and why he has stayed! His brother Mufasa, played by Shaun Escoffery has a lovely warmth to his voice and singing. His relationship with the Young Simba was excellently displayed.

Simba tonight was the debut for Kuan Krye, usually a swing he steps into the main role with good ease however, his vocals at time did struggle. Having played the role as young Simba many years before, he was finally grown up and showed his talent! His love interest Nala, played by Janique Charles has an amazing voice that was excellently portrayed during her rendition of ‘Shadowland’ her West End debut and she is making sure she is remembered!

Next comes the lively characters of Timon, Pumbaa and Zazu, played by Jamie Mcgregor, Mark Roper, and Gary Jordon along with the Hyena’s played by Melone M’Kenzy, David Blake, Phil Adele are full blown puppetry that each excel within their role. Jamie as Timon steals the light in many of his scenes along with his partner Mark as Pumbaa, becoming an instant love of the audience! Then there was Rafiki, who whenever Thenjiwe Thendiva Nofermele was on stage she had the audience chuckling, mainly because what she said – we didn’t really know, but when she was swinging from the side stage she was having a great time!

No matter what age you are, you are guaranteed an amazing night at theatre should you choose to see this show! It is loved by all and the one of the reason it has been running for as long as it has! For all ticket information head over to their website here. For all al information regarding TodayTix head to their website here!