This weekend sees a little theatrical history being made as Disney’s The Lion King celebrates 25 years in London’s West End.
To mark the occasion I was invited to meet the cast of the show which has a special place in so many people’s hearts and to take a rare glimpse backstage at a show which has become a phenomenon.
Last year, The Lion King enjoyed a record-breaking run in Manchester but it will be several years before the show comes to the North West again. The good news is that it’s a permanent fixture at The Lyceum playing to sold-out houses eight times a week.
As someone who had never seen The Lion King before - I know, shame on me - I was a little sceptical. Could the show really be as good as everyone said? Was it just hype? Was it just a tourist attraction?
Believe me, I was blown away by the whole experience. From the first note of Circle of Life to the moment you jump to your feet as part of the inevitable standing ovation you are immersed in this wonderful, moving and uplifting world which shows just what theatre is capable of.
George Asprey has been playing Scar in the show for more than 16 years.
“It is an extraordinary piece of theatre,” he said. “It’s not a recreation of the film, it’s a stand alone piece of art. I’m just so incredibly fortunate to be part of such an iconic show and to work with such incredible people.”
Shaun Escoffery, who plays Mufasa, started work on The Lion King on the same day as George.
“I remember when I joined the show people said it’s like being part of a family and me being me thought ‘yeah right, I’ll give it a couple of years, it’ll be all right’,” he laughed. “But it is a family. I have never worked with such a depth of talent. I feel so privileged. It’s a wonderful ride.”
Having been in the show since 2008, Shaun’s the ideal person to try and sum up the appeal of The Lion King.
“It starts with what happens backstage,” he said. “It’s the excellence of it all. I’m in awe of what the crew do. Unless you see it close up you don’t truly understand the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into it all.
“Then the show itself is beautiful from the first note; the costumes, the masks, lighting, staging, singing and acting - all of it. On top of that there’s the spiritual satisfaction you are left with after the show.
“The Lion King touches people deeply and that’s why so many come back time and again.
“The storyline resonates with everyone from grandparents to children watching a theatre show for the first time; it transcends all ages and cultures. It really is a show for everyone.”
It is 30 years since Disney released the animated version of The Lion King which has become a ‘must watch’ for several generations of families. In creating the stage show, Disney wanted to push the boundaries of what was possible in the theatre at the time and 25 years later it remains a staggering achievement.
Andy Todd, the show’s head of stage, has been with the production since it opened.
“Obviously the technology has changed over the 25 years,” he said, “but for my team it has always been about keeping the show looking as fresh as it can possibly look; everything has to look as close to perfect as possible and making sure that things work as they should.”
Last month the production was updated with new additions in terms of scenery and effects. Over the years, The Lyceum itself has been transformed backstage to meet the demands of the production with Pride Rock rising from below the stage, the African grasslands suddenly appearing as if from nowhere and a myriad of lighting effects leaving audiences awestruck.
With just 20 years under his belt, head of puppets Joe Beagley is a relative newcomer compared to Andy.
“Keeping the show looking as it did 25 years ago is paramount,” he said. “We have incorporated a lot of new technology over the years but we are very careful to make sure these things don’t impact on to look of the show.”
Some of the facts about the show are mindblowing.
Joe and his team have to look after 232 different puppets in the show ranging from those of Timon and Pumbaa - the show’s resident comedy double act - to a full-sized elephant and herds of antelope.
Then there are the 350 costumes; including 22 hand-beaded corsets, each consisting of thousands of individually sewn beads.
“No day is the same,” said Joe. “Even today after 20 years I can come in and find strangest problem which I’ve never encountered before.
“With eight shows a week there is a lot of wear and tear. The bulk of what we do is maintenance work.
“Every morning at nine we’ll check every puppet and every mask and if something needs repairing we’ll sort it. Everything do is to make these guys on stage look great so that they give the best performance they can every night.
“It amazes me how The Lion King has become ingrained into the culture. It’s just just amazing to think we are part of the fabric of London.”
Since opening in London on Tuesday, October 19, 1999, The Lion King has been seen by over 19 million theatregoers and remains the bestselling musical in London. And it’s popularity shows no signs of waning with shows selling out every night.
Head of stage Andy said: “It will continue to evolve but within that it won’t really change. The fabric of show and what it means to all the people involved - that’s around 250 in total - will not alter. We all realise that we are privileged to be part of this show and get to do this for a living.”
Merryl Ansah who plays Nada in the show said: “I think the appeal is because it is timeless. Technology has changed and been incorporated into the show but the essence, the soul of the show stays the same.
“We have the tools to create the magic of theatre, and after 25 years it still enthrals an audience and that’s what will keep people coming back over and over again.”
George Asprey added: “The show isn’t some history piece, it’s a timeless story. But it’s a show which also never stands still. What remains the same is the soul of the show; it has so much heart. It’s the way it effects people that’s so special
“I remember my wife’s reaction when she came to see my first performance and she said she had a slight sense of melancholy that she would never be able to see the show for the first time again. It really is that special.”
The Lion King is at The Lyceum Theatre, London. Details from www.thelionking.co.uk
For my trip to The Lion King I was guest of the Melia White House Hotel which proved the perfect base for a theatre break. Just a couple of minutes from Regent’s Park, this stylish. modern hotel was an oasis of calm. With the Tube five minutes away or Covent Garden a 20 minute walk it’s an ideal location. The rooms are pretty fabulous too and the service highly recommended. The breakfast selection has to be seen to be believed and is well worth the extra charge. Rooms start from around £179 per night. Details from www.melia.com
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