Verdict for Lion King

Starring

Roger Wright as Simba

Paulette Ivory as Nala

Rob Edwards as Scar

Cornell John as Mufasa

Martyn Ellis as Pumbaa

Simon Gregor as Timon

Josette Bushell-Mingo as Rafiki

Stephanie Charles as Shenzi

Gregory Gudgeon as Zazu

Paul J Medford as Banzai

Christophere Holt as Ed

Ross Coates, Daniel Anthony as young Simba

Pippa Bennett-Warner, Nathalie Emmanuel, Dominique Morre as young Nala

Acting :|

A surprise performance by Josette Bushell-Mango ( as Rafiki ) and

Martyn Ellis ( as Pumbaa ) the only 2 players that made their parts more interesting than their counterparts in the cartoon.

Costume :) :)

Excellent costumes, the jungle scene was spectacular.

Dancing :) :)

The choreography was good, but what was that in the middle bit with those suspended dancers? Did it add to the production? I think not.

Music :|

As expected, the original cartoon was not a great musical. But to have to write a whole new score from scratch for this production was obviously very difficult, why else would it seem so disjointed and forced. Sir John did much better with his next, Aida.

Production :) :) :)

Great ideas picked up from the Far East with the shadow puppets and the Japanese influenced tears from the masks. Not original though.

Scenery :) :) :)

Spectacular.

Singing :) :)

Credit given to those who had to act, sing and manage one of those puppets. Paulette Ivory as Nala has a voice like liquid gold, hope this launches her career. Rob Edwards as Scar was great, but pity the score did not give him a chance to shine.

Sound :)

Great 3D effect.

Story :|

reviewed on 25/11/99

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