Lion King Reviews

Sarah J from Anytown, AT 55555

(CONTINUED REVIEW)

That's true. And many of the ways in which it was adapted were brilliant, especially from the perspective of set-design. I actually really enjoyed the "Lionesses' Hunt", and many of the new numbers which added flavour to the setting. HOWEVER other additions, and interpretations of the original material, ended up giving the production the subtlety of a slap to the face, and ran dangerously-close to amateur. What was the point of Timon falling in the river, except to point out something which the actor had failed to convey in the stars scene: that Simaba's begining to feel uneasy at being care-free, that he's yearning to fill the gap which should've been filled by his destiny. What was the point of Scar morphing into Judge Claude Frollo to lust after young Nala, when Nala could've easily decided to hell with his politics, I'm going to look for help? The wilderbeast scene (probably for health and safety reasons) lacked any visceral quality (cont. in following post)

Sarah J from London, UK

(CONTINUED REVIEW PART 3) MORE AVERAGE AS TIME GOES BY...

Anyway... I guess I should wrap up. It's not all bad. The dancing and singing is brilliant, even if I disliked many of the banally obvious lyrics in the English-language additions. I'm sure you could enjoy this show for what it is: a West End adaptation of a Broadway musical via Disney. But for anyone looking for the depth which is present in the film, you'll be disappointed. If the script is as deeply ingrained in your head as it is mine, you'll find it jarring, and at times, a poor replica. If however, you love spectacles, over-heart-wrenching power tunes beautifully sung, and you can barely remember the film, I'm sure this show-stopper will push all the right buttons and leave you well pleased. Even so, I can't help feeling that the actors and production as a whole, have gotten a little too cosy with their success. Whether subconsciously or not, I felt they were in too much of a hurry to get the job done, and perhaps that's just a sign that a show's been on for too long.

Basia from London, England

SAVE YOUR MONEY

I'v seen the show before, it was incredible. I took my family to see it this January and we all left pretty disappointed. The entire time we had a feeling that the show was incredibly rushed, the actors barely allowed each other to finish their line before speaking over each other. Young Nala and Simba need a few singing lessons before being cast in a show of this scale, there were moments when you couldn't even make out their speech. Some of the added jokes like 'this looks like a primary sheet' just seem out of place. The costume design and dancers were still as amazing as ever, but the acting seemed half arsed, and the entire show we felt like the actors couldn't wait to just get the show done and over with and go home.

Luka from London, England

MEH...

Went to see the lion king together with my family today. I think it is worth to see once, but byfar not as good as people say. The choreography was mediocre, some new songs and scenes added to the story were not as good either. The characters are not played by the correct actors in my view. Overall I'd give it 6/10. Not bad but not great either.

Fabio from London, England

A GOOD SHOW

I went to see the show last night the 4th of may 2022. The costumes, colors and lights are amazing and I can see how much work has been done to create discographies like this. You can see though that it something happening from a very long time, the show has lost accuracy and you can feel it. The singing of the main characters did not impress me at all. The theater was EXTREMELY noise with people having food all the time long and disturbing constantly, that was very irritating, do you really need to have food during the show?!?!.

S Payne from Manchester, England

MORE PANTO THAN MUSICAL

I was really looking forward to experience this live spectacle but left slightly deflated. I expected a musical but watch what I would describe as an over elaborate pantomime. That said the sets were fantastic as were the majority of the animal costumes. We could not fault the cast whatsoever. But as far as musicals go this belongs at Christmas with Snow White , Peter Pan and Cinderella.

Rachel from Bristol,

LION KING BRISTOL

Having never seen this performance I wonder what the west end show is like? The sets and costumes were wonderful and the whole flow of the story was great. I was slightly disappointed with the individual solo performances, not the standard of musicality I would have expected. Putting that to one side the stars of the show were most definitely the Warthog & the Meerkat! Bravo to the costume designers! Exceptional artistry:-)

Page:123456789101112All