If you ever want a magical insight behind the scenes as the lights go up and another performance of any West End musical, nothing brings home the scale of a production more than a backstage tour, post show, of course.
In the case of Disney’s The Lion King, creatures and animals that moments earlier were leaping, roaring and occasionally galumphing across the plains of the Serengeti are now nothing more than inanimate costumes and puppets, hanging from every available inch of space in the wings and the bunker, as floor beneath the stage is known. Some of the larger masks even line the walls of the corridors leading to the dressing rooms.
Disney’s award-winning musical explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. It follows the powerful and moving story of Simba as he journeys from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands. Now celebrating 25 years at London’s Lyceum Theatre, visionary director Julie Taymor’s acclaimed reimagining of Disney’s beloved film will redefine your expectation of theatre.
Hundreds of colourful costumes, wigs and masks wait patiently for the actor charged with bringing them to life on stage to appear and once more, enchant and amaze another audience, immersing them in the spectacle and excitement of the Pride Lands.
Even in their repose, some of these characters remain almost sentient, not one Zazu, but three watch as we pass them, their eyes seeming to follow the tour, and when Timon’s dust cover is lifted, there is an audible gasp of glee from those nearest as they take in the detail and workmanship of the incredibly life-like, life-size puppet at close quarters.
In the bunker, you will also discover the mechanical genius that controls the rising and falling platforms that create one of the most dynamic stage settings of any musical. Our tour is especially exciting as the production has just recently reopened after a major refresh that included the installation of brand new lighting, staging, automation and scenery replacements. The refresh saw the production temporarily closed from the 9-18 September 2024 to allow for the final work to be completed – the first time since 1997 that there was no Disney Theatrical Group production playing London, the Covid years notwithstanding.
Must See Theatre of the highest calibre, indeed.
The Lion King runs at the Lyceum Theatre, London. Tickets here.
