Tag Archives: Lyceum Theatre

15 YEARS OF DISNEY’S THE LION KING, LYCEUM THEATRE

Posted on by

Last night the award-winning musical THE LION KING celebrated its 15th anniversary at London’s Lyceum Theatre, where it remains the West End’s best-selling production.

Winning over 70 theatre awards worldwide since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 22 global productions have been seen by more than 75 million people. In addition to the London and UK touring productions, THE LION KING can currently be seen in New York, Tokyo, Hamburg, Madrid, Sao Paulo, Brisbane and on tour across North America and Japan.

Recently the musical opened in Australia and they celebrated with a surprise singing outburst on the Virgin Flight over to the other side of the world. The proud cast made flight guests feel like the luckiest travellers in the world. I have seen the show several times now, and always leave stunned and silenced by the innovative and beautiful production, ebullient songs and the magical costumes. This time around (sitting close to the stage in the stalls) I noticed the enormous talent, from the adorable kids who carry much of the first half, to the charismatic animals who sing powerfully whilst mimicking their animal’s mannerisms immaculately.

The story is simple and universal, the music is affecting and infectious and the spirit of the show is undeniably wonderful. As the final curtain call music played from the pit I looked up to the African drummers in the balconies, both smiling as if they were just discovering the music for the first time… 15 years on from its debut The Lion King feels as fresh, relevant and magical as ever. It is a musical that never ceases to amaze me, a production that I know will still be going strong in another decade’s time.

More information and book tickets to The Lion King here.

Rufus Wainwright, Lyceum Theatre

Posted on by

My family have managed to agree on one thing: a mutual adoration of Rufus Wainwright, the supremely talented Canadian singer-songwriter.

His single concert date at the grand Lyceum Theatre in London was packed out, all his most ardent fans were there including some notable celebrities: I spotted Jonathan Ross on the way out but many more have mentioned attending. We booked our tickets months and months in advance, paid a fortune and still found ourselves seated in the dizzying highest section which in a theatre as big as the Lyceum felt sky high. Teddy Thompson came on first as the support act. A lone minstrel with guitar on the stage, his music felt rather isolated and poignant in the great auditorium. His voice is rich and soulful and some of his songs are very touching, particularly the composition written for his mother.

Then on came Rufus, blasting light and energy onto the stage. Singing numbers from across his repertoire but particularly plugging his new album, ‘Out Of The Game’, he sounded better than ever. On stage he is an extraordinarily intense presence, and yet wiggles about doing his unique dance moves. In his welcome speech he admitted “I’m wearing the world’s cheapest sunglasses and the world’s most expensive shoes,” these came in the form of neon orange slippers and mysterious but silly glasses. In his music he is deep and meaningful and yet in person, on stage he has a frivolous comical attitude.

His music, as ever, showed variety, vision and creativity and he sang superbly throughout. But although I enjoyed his newer, more psychedelic poppy songs, it is the old classics that most satisfy my appetite. ‘The Art Teacher’ and ‘Poses’ were particularly stunning and very memorable.

Everyone got a chance to play and shine from the band and at times the concert seemed a bit like an open mic night, albeit a very good one. His beloved and equally talented sister even made an appearance to give a heart-wrenching performance, her voice is hugely affecting and quite beautiful.

It was an unforgettable night with one of the world’s greatest musicians.

Visit Rufus’ website here for more information.