Disney's The Lion King is ruling over Sunderland Empire in stupendous style, with a show that is an absolute feast for the senses; with sensational visuals, a breathtaking set, a score than conjures up all manner of emotions and a cast who are utterly superb.
If you can free up just one night over the next six weeks, you simply HAVE to get to the Empire to see this show. It is often remarked that no-one does a stage show quite like Disney and The Lion King has got to be its trump card. A year on from Beauty and the Beast casting its enchanted spell over Wearside, this royally wonderful spectacle is quite something to behold.
While not wanting to spoil things for those with tickets or with those desperate to get some, the opening number, for me is the most stunning thing I think I have ever witnessed inside a theatre auditorium. There is so much to demand your attention in the first few minutes alone, with the bold and beautiful costumes and the intricate mechanics and puppetry as animals are brought to life in front of your very eyes, all set to a backdrop of one of the best Disney numbers even to be composed - the truly anthemic Circle of Life.
READ MORE: Sunderland Empire to welcome magical musical Disney's Aladdin to Wearside
The Lion King's opening is a stirring as it is spectacular, with an undeniable wave of awe and wonder crashing over the packed Empire audience as they took it all in. And the standard of the staging, the music or the performances never dips from start to finish.
As the dynamic guide to the Shakespearean esque tale, Rafiki, Thandalize Soni is out of this world. Her stage presence is so powerful yet welcoming, with her vocal talents soaring sky high on the stunning He Lives in You in act two.
While the score has songs that you could listen to gain and again from the comfort of your home, it is when seeing them performed with such conviction and vigour on stage that you realise every inch of their impact and emotional potential.
As Mufasa, ruler of Pride Rock, Jean-Luc Guizonne gives an authoritative yet calming star turn, with some really touching scenes alongside young Simba, played brilliantly on press night by Ro'jae Simpson. Ro'jae's infectious enthusiasm was a joy to watch, particularly when it was allowed to shine to high heaven alongside the equally talented Gabriella McDonald (young Nala) in I Just Can't Wait To Be King.
Every story needs a villain and in RIchard Hurst's Scar, The Lion King has a hell of a one.. Ever movement and every nuance Richard makes as Mufasa's scorned and bitter brother is laced with venom as he plots the downfall of both his sibling and nephew. Richard's performance is nothing short of phenomenal , stealing every scene he is in and being both chilling and thoroughly captivating in equal measure.
A humorous and fabulously eccentric foil to Scar's wickedness is the Zazu, the king's loyal servant who, thanks to actor Matthew Forbes, is s character you just cannot take your eyes off. Matthew's control of the puppet part of his costume and the way it mirrors his own demeanour and physicalities is quite something and, as for the rendition of Let it Go from Frozen....Samantha Barks might want to watch her back!"
*SPOILER ALERT* - Mufasa dies and, let me tell you, his death at the hands of Scar is just as traumatic to witness as a 30 something witnessing it on stage as it was for a nine-year-old seeing it for the first time in the cartoon back in the day. The sheer scale of the wildebeest stampede is something that must be extremely very hard to replicate but the team behind the show have somehow manage to create something that leaves you on edge and enthralled as it all unfolds
Now, while Mufasa's demise is of course very sad, without it we wouldn't; have Timon and Pumbaa and, given that Alan McHale and Carl Sanderson are such stars in those two roles, that would be a complete travesty,
Both actors have impeccable comic timing and charisma that instantly pulls you in. And, of course, they get to perform Hakuna Matata, another prime cut from the Disney archives, which they deliver with exuberant flare.
The shift to the jungle introduces adult Simba, Kyle Richardson to the plot and, what a passionate performer he is, embodying the angst of Simba's battle with his past and struggle to realise his true destiny as king. A fine singer, Kyle makes Under The Stars an emotional masterpiece, in the exact same way that Nokwanda Khuzwayo pours every ounce of her soul into Shadowlands as an adult Nala is left in turmoil at what has become of her homeland.
The two are fantastic performers and, when flanked by an eye-catching ensemble for Can You Feel The Love Tonight, their partnership really comes into its own.
If you're after a breathing theatre production, you will struggle to find one better than The Lion King, Every single one of the cast, also including the terrific trio of Candida Mosoma, Jorell Coiffic-Kamall and Alex Bloomer as the hyenas, give their absolute all from start to finish.
Bold, breathtaking and beautiful in its entirety; from every garment of costume to every lick of paint on the set and, of course, the scinitaling soundtrack, top notch talent and Disney magic are sprinkled all over this juggernaut of a show to great aplomb.
A roaring success and the 'mane' event you MUST attend this spring, The Lion King is on at Sunderland Empire right the way through until Saturday, May 6.
Tickets are available online HERE.
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