The Lion King at the Liverpool Empire Review
The Lion King
Liverpool Empire
15 May to 5 July 2014
Reviewed by Laura Parle
Disney’s spectacular stage show The Lion King has roared into Liverpool’s Empire theatre and I was lucky enough to be one of the first to watch the epic production. The Oscar winning film The Lion King came out in 1994 when I was just 9 years old, I remember going to see it with my best friend and my parent’s, we were all mesmerised by the dramatic storyline and the beautiful musical score little did I know that fast forward 20 years I would be reviewing the amazing stage show and it would still have the same effect on me as it did when I was a child.
The show is opened by the whirlwind that is Rafiki, her strong, powerful voice transported us all to the African pride lands. The vividly colourful stage and the parade of animals were breath-taking. The menagerie of animals came from the back of the theatre, through the aisles till they finally reached the stage. I was simply blown away, so much so that I had tears in my eyes from the sheer amazement of it all.
The innovative costumes, puppetry and mask design were like nothing you have ever seen, from the gazelles that were shown to move on a bike, the mousey shadow puppet to the giraffes on stilts. Add to this an Oscar winning musical score with additional specially composed African chants (in 6 African dialects no less) and 2 incredible musicians on either side of the stage and you get a stage spectacular.
The cast itself are second to none, and a very special mention needs to go the incredibly talented Liverpool born Ava Brennan who plays Nala. Her vocal range is outstanding and the elegance of which she moves is beautiful. Nicholas Nkuna plays Simba in adult form and he manages to portray his vulnerable side without him coming across as weak. My favourite character of the show has to be the hilarious Zazou. His witty commentary, in a Scottish accent and a fabulous rendition of 5000 miles had not only me but the whole audience in stitches.
Finally it was evident that this show was a roaring success as everyone was singing the hits as they left the theatre. I would recommend the show to anyone young or old as you will regress to your childhood self and will find yourself singing and dancing in your seat.
If you can get tickets do it… I have already purchased my next set to see this stage spectacular.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £10 to £75 (plus £4 transaction fee).
For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8713017.
Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017
