Watched two Lion King shows in three days - what an amazing way to kick start July! This year, The Lion King is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the 1994 animation, and 25th anniversary of the West End musical.
Stage Musical
It was my second time (after a whooping 22 years!) at The Lion King musical in London. This time I was in the last row of the Grand Circle - no blocked view but it was a bit far to see the costumes and details on the stage. For this production, you should get the best view of the stage effects from the stalls!
There were definitely changes to some references since the last time I saw it, but the costumes and stage design are just as impressive! The stampede and 'Remember Who You Are' scenes were even better than the film! My favourite animal characters were the giraffes and leopards, and both young and grown-up Simba did a brilliant job! Too bad young Simba didn't stay for the curtain call...
@Lyceum Theatre (Grand Circle M2), 4th July 2024
Live in Concert
Then I went to see The Lion King in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall - it was sooooooo good! The 1994 animation was shown on the big screen but there was a live orchestra playing the background music throughout the film! The vocals for the opening 'Circle of Life' was performed live and the original soundtrack was played for other songs in the movie.
Music by Hans Zimmer, performed by Chineke! Orchestra, London Community Gospel Choir, and conducted by Sarah Hicks. The West End cast also made a special appearance for a bonus performance of 'He Lives In You' (one of my favourites from the musical!) at the end!!!
@Royal Albert Hall (Stalls K row 8 seat 74), 6th July 2024
Here is a glimpse of what the Live in Concert experience was like - one of my favourite moments of the film:
To complete the Lion King marathon, something to look forward to - the prequel movie Mufasa: The Lion King is coming out in December featuring original music by Lin Manuel Miranda!
Comments