SMASH hit musical The Lion King is coming to Bradford, the Telegraph & Argus exclusively reveals today.
Disney Theatrical Group’s spectacular show will be at the Alhambra for seven weeks in spring 2020 - the only Yorkshire venue on the UK tour. The Tony and Olivier award-winning musical was last at the Alhambra in 2014, watched by more than 81,000 people over a record-breaking season.
This year is the 20th anniversary of The Lion King in the West End. It premiered in October 1999 at the Lyceum Theatre, which remains its London home, and is the biggest, and sixth longest-running, musical in the West End, seen worldwide by over 100 million people.
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The beloved story of young lion Simba’s epic journey towards the responsibilities of becoming a king is brought to life using puppets, masks and striking costumes, drawing on diverse cultural influences to recreate the African savanna. The score from the animated film was expanded for the stage to include an evocative blend of African chorales. Sir Elton John and Sir Tim Rice added three numbers to the songs they wrote for the original score, including the Oscar-winning Can You Feel The Love Tonight.
With a cast of 50, (and another 60 crew on tour), over 350 costumes and 232 puppets, it’s a huge show to take on the road. “We take 23 trailers venue to venue and work solidly for three days to set it up,” said Richard Oriel, general manager of Disney Theatrical Group, said: “There are no compromises. What Bradford audiences will see is what London and Broadway audiences see. The show works beautifully at the Alhambra, it’s an immaculate theatre.”
Puppetry designed by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, influenced by ancient theatrical techniques, brings to life 25 species of wildlife, including giraffes, hyenas, even the swaying grasses of the savanna. "The actors perform through the puppets, so you get a 'double event'. You see giraffes walking across the stage and, while you never lose sight of the actor, you can look beyond them," said Mr Oriel. "There is so much attention to detail, no matter how many times you see The Lion King there's something new each time. I've been working on the show since it started 20 years ago and there are still little bits of detail I notice.
"It has a fantastic narrative, it's a story that everyone of any age can connect with. A lot of people witness live theatre for the first time with this show. From some of the research of the last tour, that applies very much to regional audiences.
"There's no other show like it, its joyous."
Adam Renton, general manager Bradford Theatres, said: “I am thrilled to welcome this incredible musical back to the Alhambra next year. It’s an iconic production which audiences in the region will be very excited to see back in Bradford. “We’re especially pleased to be hosting a Relaxed Performance during the show’s residency. We’re looking forward to welcoming the widest audience possible to enjoy this spectacle.”
The Lion King is at the Alhambra from April 30 to June 20, 2020. Tickets go on sale on Friday, October 11. Priority pre-sale tickets from Monday, October 7. Call (01274) 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk.
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