Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, London. Photo by Brinkoff and Mogenburg

It’s ironic then, that as I mark 16 years of living in the capital, I finally get to see the UK version of this infamous Broadway musical that also celebrates its 16th birthday in London. And like most awesome things in life, it was worth the wait.

The heartwarming animated tale translates to nearly 3 hours on stage, and it’s told through a colourful spectacle of technical puppetry and energetic showmanship that never lets up.  There’s clearly a reverence for the music and traditions of African culture too, and talking drums and dance are as pivotal to the show as the wonderful Simba who we see go from a kid to a king. By the end, I realised I hadn’t stopped smiling since Rafiki opened the proceedings with The Circle of Life. And once I got home, I was all over YouTube, looking for a sing-a-long for that problem-free philosophy  Hakuna Matata. I know for a fact that I’ll be buzzing from all of that feel-good energy for the next week, at least.

Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, London. Photo by Johan Persson

There’s no doubt I’ll be watching this again. Tickets for the musical are currently on sale until March 2016 for individual bookings and July 2016 for groups – so if that sounds like West End’s best-selling stage production could be seeing its last days, you’ll probably want to tick this off, stat.  You’ll hardly regret it.

THE LION KING plays at the Lyceum Theatre (21 Wellington Street)  Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm with matinee performances on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm. For more details call the Box Office number: 0844 871 3000 or visit www.thelionking.co.uk. 

Many thanks to The Corner Shop for the invite! 

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If you can focus on the main performers, though, you will witness some of the human body’s most elegant and powerful movements. A mesmerising routine with a woman bound in a waterfall of red silk literally put the audience on the edge of their seats. Three women lithely twisted their bodies around, rotating and spinning rings in time to the music, while later a larger troupe performed acrobatic feats of tumbling and leaping that made us collectively gasp.
Perhaps the most moving moment of Quidam, though, was its simplest. In a long dance of form and expression, a man and a woman used only their bodies to continually bind and separate themselves . At times, you could be forgiven for thinking the two forms had fused into one. For a few lovely minutes, no elaborate costumes or blaring soundtrack competed for attention. It was simply a graceful expression owed to the remarkable power and ability of the two performers that kept everyone mesmerised…as long as you ignored the man twirling in the pink tutu just stage left. (Words: Barbara Cole) 

Quidam is on until 16 February. For more info, visit: www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/quidam/default

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 Frame Rave starts on Friday 10 January 2013, between 7.30pm and 8.30pm, and runs throughout January at Paradise, 19 Kilburn Lane, London W10 4AE. For more info, click here.

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This is an excellent opportunity to dip into a performance and possibly see something you never dreamed possible in dance. The performers are encouraged to experiment and push the limits with their production, blending genres and styles. With triple-billing every night, audience members are sure to see something interesting.

In addition to the performances, the festival is a unique opportunity for dancers to collaborate and mentor one another backstage with a series of talks and workshops organised by The Place. For those in the dance industry, networking events will be ongoing throughout the event. There’s even a mentorship programme in place for writers interested in being mentored by professional dance writers. (Words: Barbara Cole)
Resolution 2014 is on from January 14 to February 15, 2014.  For more info, visit: www.theplace.org.uk

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As for the eats and drinks, The Tamale Shack will be dishing up the Mexican classic aplenty, while  Stav B will be hosting the bar, knocking out bourbons with the creative skill and precision this pop-up liquor bar has become known for. Just make sure you sign up for membership  at Kansas Smitty’s ASAP so this weekend you can let the good times roll.

Apply for Kansas Smitty’s membership at: www.kansassmittys.com
For tickets visit: www.billetto.co.uk/kansassmitty

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It tells the story of a young MC facing a world of temptations, and with choreography coming from hip-hop pioneer Jonzi D, it’s little wonder critics are calling it “mindblowing” in its clever take on  The Seven Deadly Sins and Dante’s Inferno. It’s only got a short run though (wraps up October 5th), so don’t miss this chance to see this mighty man and his sax in action.

For more info, visit:  www.thealbany.org.uk

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This take on the classic Wizard of Oz story is set in a classroom where creativity has no place. Dorothy (played by Portia Oti) is a dreamer, turning in poetry instead of equations. The Scarecrow (played by Jaih Betote Dipito Akwa) is teased for his dyslexia. The Tin Man (Michael Ureta) and Lion (Corey Culverwell) are outcasts.

Through a set of upbeat dance numbers set to the likes of Justin Timberlake and Michael Jackson, the characters slip into the wondrous world of Oz. This time, though, the story is told  only by the brilliant young dancers’ expressions and movements. When Dorothy, shod in her ruby sneakers, sets off to Emerald City High with Toto (the accomplished Michael McNeish), she dances around the audience with such joy and hope, that the audience can’t help but to feel part of her journey.

The set is cleverly designed to draw the audience into the fantastical Oz. A screen flashes drawings, like sketching made during a boring lecture, that help flesh out the production. But the true standout is the dancing and young people that bring it to life. Kate Prince’s choreography keeps the story exciting and energetic, while also showcasing the dancers’ talents. Culverwell’s Lion particularly steals the show with his acrobatic and soulful movements.

The show, running until 1^st September, is entertaining and intelligent, and wonderful for both adults and kids –  you’ll leave in awe. (Words: Barbara Cole) 

For more info, visit: http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/zoo-nations-groove-on-down-th-74861

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True to Future Cinema’s reputation for creating once-in-a-lifetime cinema experiences, this event will be much more than the showing of an iconic film – it’s an immersion into a whole world. Expect vibrant technicolor and glamour that fuses film, music, performance and design to create an unforgettable foray into the age of disco, while honouring the legendary dance film, starring John Travolta.

There will be dance classes, hairstyling, beauty parlours, vinyl, American hotdogs… all the best that the 70’s had to offer. On select nights there will even be special music guests such as disco diva Kym Mazelle to complete the Saturday Night atmosphere.

To make the most of a show like this you’ll need to get into character yourself. Glam up in vintage 70’s style and however you wear your hair, wear it bigger – then you know you’re ready to party. (Words: Nori Bell-Bhuiyan)

On until July 7th 2013. For more information visit: www.futurecinema.co.uk/news

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The event is being hosted in the Sadler’s Wells, and offers a new and interactive way of experience dance with frequent opportunities for the audience to get involved in post-performance classes and learn about the vast variety of dance styles put on show.

The festival’s remarkable line-up includes pieces from some of the best modern choreographers around, notability world-renowned Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s romantic duet ‘Faun’ and contemporary dance pioneer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker’s ‘Drumming’, danced by the choreographer’s own company, Rosas, and the revolutionary and evocative ‘Political Mother’ by British dance star Hofesh Shechter.

In my mind, the best thing about Sadler’s Sampled it that you don’t have to be a huge dance fan to find something that will interest you. In fact, thanks to the incredible amounts of creativity on display, it would be impossible not to find something to either watch or join in with – or both. (Words: Conori Bell-Bhuiyan)

From June 22nd to July 7th.  For more information visit: www.sadlerssampled.com

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Pic: BigWanPro

It’ll be the chance to perfect your P&L’s (poppin’ and lockin’) and learn a bit of dance history before putting it all into practice at the Get Down Social Dance Party at Rich Mix with DJ Biznizz on Sunday, March 31st. Can’t wait to sign up!

For more info, visit: www.boxpark.co.uk/popinpete

Check out  Popin’ Pete in action: 

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