Reviewed by Sasha Nye
The Theatre Royal in Brighton is probably one of my favourite theatres to go to. I love how traditional it is, the ambience, the decor. Even with its traditional appearance it fits in really well in the unique and Diverse Brighton. It really puts you in the right mood for whatever show you are going to see. The staff are always very polite, friendly, extremely well presented and on hand to help with any query that you may have. A bonus is that it’s minutes walk from car parks and local transport.
The hugely successful animated Madagascar franchise, courtesy of Dreamworks Animation Studios, first hit the big screen in 2005 and consisted of three films starring massive Hollywood stars such as Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith and David Schwimmer. It tells the story of Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria animals in captivity trying to find their way back home, their journey and some of the animals they meet along with the way.
Madagascar is incredibly funny and entertaining, so the stage production had a lot to live up to. I was looking forward to seeing Matt Terry in this production after watching him on the X Factor, sadly he wasn’t playing Alex the Lion this evening. Instead Understudy Brandon Gale stepped in to the shoes / paws of Alex the Lion. Brandon did a fabulous job, he danced and sang brilliantly and kept the audience thoroughly entertained. You would have thought that the main role was his anyway, he certainly stepped up and looked as if he was enjoying every second too.
The whole production was cleverly put together with catchy songs, a talented cast and great costumes. The children and adults alike had smiles on their faces throughout.
Some stand out performances were Timmika Ramsay as Gloria with her sass, attitude and great vocals. The penguins who are a favourite of mine from the films and Jo Parsons as King Julien whose facial expressions, one liners and performance had everyone in fits of laughter. By the end of the show the audience were on their feet flossing and dancing along with the cast.
If you like to move it, move it and you want to see something different this season that still has the feel-good factor then this is the show for you.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £16.90 to £53.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Madagascar The Musical is at the Theatre Royal in Brighton from 4-8 December 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/brighton or call the box office on 0844 871 7650.
Theatre Royal, New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1SD | 0844 871 7650
