Darlington Hippodrome – until 13 October 2019
Reviewed by Hayley Thompson
4****
The 9th of October at The Hippodrome consisted with lots of fun and laughter, certainly coming from the children in the audience. Madagascar was a fun packed family musical which had every aspect you can imagine. The musical certainly lives up to its expectations and tells the story just like the movie! This is what I didn’t expect before entering the auditorium.
The show opens up such brightness with its colourful set and lights with its magical music. We are then introduced to Marty the Zebra ( Posi Morakinyo) who clearly shows us the life of living in, not just any zoo but their fabulous, entertaining zoo. Marty is a cool and relatable character who has charm and can certainly dance! Joseph Connor’s Alex the Lion’s confidence powers the stage and was able to build a relationship with the audience as soon as he stepped foot on the stage, Connor Dyer’s Melman the Giraffe’s geeky self is a fun loving character and cleverly portrayed with its almost puppetry skills as a typical nerd. Gloria the Hippo ( Hannah Victoria) had umph! Her characterisation, sass and voice were brilliant and reeled in the audience as soon as she entered the stage. All characters were fantastic and definitely helped bring the movie to the stage. King Julian(Kieran Mortell) …. He really likes to move it move it! His comedy, characterisation, accent and physicality was perfect! We want more of King Julian!
The children in the audience clearly loved this production but I’m pretty certain that the adults could have even enjoyed this more! The music may not be recognisable yet but with its catchy tunes and purposeful lyrics it wont be long for the musical theatre fans to search this one on Spotify!
If you are wanting a joke filled night, to be fascinated with puppetry, set, costume etc etc! But also want a night out with the family, no matter what age! Madagascar is definitely the show to go and see.
I certainly hope the cast continue to smile and wave! A huge well done to Alex the Lion with it being his first time in Madagascar. Thank you for the entertainment!
Highly, highly recommend!