The Lion King

The Alhambra

When it comes to opening a show, there is nothing quite like The Lion King.

Gasps rippled across last night’s packed house as an assortment of animals made their way through the auditorium during spectacular opening number Circle of Life.

It was a thrilling, moving start to this innovative adaptation of the Disney favourite.

The Lion King follows a young prince struggling with his destiny, as his villainous uncle plots to take the kingdom – think Hamlet on the Serengeti – with powerful themes of love, loss and redemption.

Taking the story deeper into the heart of Africa is a score featuring Elton John and Tim Rice’s lively pop and Lebo M’s pulsating chants and haunting ballads, and stunning visuals owing much to director and co-designer Julie Taymor’s vision.

Digital technology blends with traditional theatrical techniques, as in the dramatic stampede scene, and Richard Hudson’s sweeping set is bathed in vibrant, sun-soaked colours of Donald Hunter’s lighting.

But most striking of all are the 200-plus puppets breathing life into the animal kingdom.

Inspired by Japanese and Balinese puppetry, Taymor’s creations are beautifully and skilfully operated, enabling the audience to see beyond puppeteers to hyenas, giraffes, soaring birds, even the swaying grasses of the savannah.

The dazzling costumes and masks, bearing intricate detail, are just as integral. The scene when lionesses gather to grieve, ribbons falling from their masks like tears, is incredibly moving.

The huge cast was led by the marvellous Gugwana Dlamini as endearing narrator Rafiki; the show’s heartbeat.

Powerful performances too from Nicholas Nkuna as Simba, Nombulelo Chili as Nala, Stephen Carlile as Scar and Kwesi Jeffers as Mufasa, with Lee Ormsby and John Hasler providing comic relief as Pumbaa and Timon, and Jude Blake and Jessica Kesse as the young Simba and Nala.

A spectacular theatrical triumph unfolding beneath a wide African sky.

Runs until Saturday, May 10.