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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In Act 2, the crowd are treated to a mix of songs from Bad, Dangerous and HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1  – with Smooth Criminal and Billie Jean being the undeniable highlights of the section – but the Thriller performance makes its mark, with zombies running through the audience and that legendary dance executed to perfection. The show doesn’t end here, however, and there’s an extra performance of Bad and Black or White before a sensational reprise of Smooth Criminal and Thriller wrap up what’s not only been an amazing sing and dance-a-long, but the sort of heartfelt tribute that Michael Jackson himself would have been proud of – especially as it’s his music that does all the work. One for the weekend.

For more info, visit: www.thrillerlive.com

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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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Carousel – voted the best musical of all time by Time Magazine – is one of those select few. Written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, it’s a pretty dark and deep fare for a genre that typically likes to keep it upbeat (the duo’s previous creation, Oklahoma!, being a perfect example of this).

The main premise centres around Billy Bigelow, a fairground worker who loses his job working the carousel due to his boss’ jealousy over his loving relationship and thus declines into a life of crime in order to support his newly pregnant wife. The intricate storyline that unfolds deals with some difficult themes including morality, redemption and domestic violence.

This new production by Opera North at the Barbican is set to be world’s away from your typical musical fare. Not only does it feature real operatic singers, it also involves a full orchestra, led by conductor James Holmes, thus offering the impressive score the opportunity reach its full potential. Director Jo Davies is known too for taking lightweight content and giving it greater light and shade. It’s promising stuff.

Featuring classic songs ‘If I Loved You’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, Davies perhaps summed up the work best with a quote from fellow legendary musical composer, Stephen Sondheim: “Oklahoma! is about a picnic, whilst Carousel is about life and death.” Which is basically just another way of saying that  Carousel is not your average musical: it’s a true experience – with a story and message that has never been more relevant than it is right now. Don’t miss out.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel by Opera North at The Barbican runs from 15 August 2012 – 15 September 2012. For more information or to book tickets, click here.

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Born in Nigeria in the thirties, Kuti created music that attacked the countries’ oppressive military regime and gave voice to Nigeria’s underclass during the seventies and eighties. The creator of Afrobeat, he was also a spectacular showman, as well as being an infamous polygamist who famously married 27 women on the same day in 1978.

A biographical musical about his life opened on Broadway at the end of 2009 to rave reviews – and thanks to the financial backing from superstars Will Smith and Jay-Z, the story of the Nigerian renegade’s extraordinary life as a musical pioneer, political activist and notorious womanizer went on to win three Tony awards and later, a sell out run at the National Theatre in the capital.

The vibrant musical now comes to Sadler’s Wells from 20th July with the original Broadway star Sahr Ngaujah reprising his Tony nominated role of the dynamic and free-spirited Fela.

With incredible choreography and more than ample material to shock, move and inspire in equal measure, it’s not to be missed. Just like the man himself, Fela! promises to be a true force of nature. (Words: Aoife Moriarty)

Fela! is on at Sadler’s Wells until August 28th.  For more info, click here.

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