The Lion King is the world’s most popular musical 18 years after it was first released I don't think even Disney could have predicted that after 18 years the show would still be London's most popular musical, selling out performances eight times a week and playing to packed crowds every single night.
The Lion King is set in the African Sahara and the heart-warming tale follows the lion cub Simba as he learns to take his place in the great "circle of life" following the murder of his father Mufassa by his evil uncle Scar. The show combines low comedy (side-kicks Timone the meerkat and Pumba the warthog) with shades of 'Hamlet', resulting in an original story that delights both children and adults.
From the minute the curtain went up you can just tell that you’re in for a magical experience that can have the power to take your breath away and leave stranded wondering how on earth such a marvellous musical was ever created in the first place.
The costume of Mufassa, Scar and Simba is truly a work of art as it portrays what words could not. Large headdresses with intricate detail paired with makeup which actually make you believe what you are seeing. That’s the true magic of The Lion King.
The rest of the characters and the stage setting were propelled by hidden mechanisms which made the performance special for you but it also had a live orchestra for those sitting in front who could view that and the work of the actors first-hand. Not only that but the first two stalls in had professional drummers who gave the musical a real African atmosphere. The characters playing the rest of the background animals is enough to reduce you to tears because the way those puppets moved makes you believe with that childish fantasy you used to think was gone.
Personally, this was a once in a lifetime experience and would definitely recommend this amazing ordeal for anyone who needs a wake up call in the world of fiction.
P.S: The best seats are right at the front!
