One Was Highly Amused
July 5th, 2007
I managed to put it off for years - and I say this as someone who held season passes to DisneyWorld into her twenties. Musicals aren't my cuppa, and it was never my favourite film despite the soundtrack (which is fortunately preserved in the stage version).
In fact, it took the arrival of friends from America who saw it, loved it and put money in my hand for tickets before I was convinced it was worth my time. Even then, I almost missed it after a nearby restaurant failed to get my order out in time.
But now I see why everyone loves The Lion King. You can't miss it. From the first sunrise to Rafiki's oft-shaken cardboard derriere, it's simply a great show. Great story. Great sets. Great choreography. Great songs. The audience spontaneously cheers and there might even be a spontaneous sing-along or two. Even the most hardened Londoners can't help but smile.
Nuance is conspicuously absent. In its place are multi-storey neon giraffes and trumpeting elephants. Bird-bearing runners come through the aisles and two elephants climb the stairs onto the stage. Tribal drums, rather than seats, fill two private boxes.
The interval Haagen-Dazs is wildly overpriced. The merchandising isn't exactly subtle - but then, neither is any other part of the show. But go, and go now.
It's the best royalty you'll see in London - and it's a lot more fun than the changing of the guard.
The Lion King
Lyceum Theatre, WC2
Tel: 020 7420 8100
Tickets from £20
Image: IMDb
