The Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – runs until 25th May 2024
Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth
4****
Madagascar is originally a real family favourite film series. The story is based around a group of zoo-kept friends that have no idea of their roots. It’s an adventure where, as an audience, you follow the funny animal team on an unexpected journey to Madagascar. They have spent their entire lives in New York’s Central Park Zoo living in captivity so witness them experiencing life outside for the first time. There are lots of laughs and it really is a heart-warming tale.
The cast all have great energy and must really feel the strain of these heavy, thick costumes on stage, especially during the warm months! Some to mention, first and foremost is Karim Zeroual playing King Julien (mostly on his knees), what a talent he is. Some may know him from Stictly Come Dancing. He is made for the stage and excels in all areas, great singing, dancing and charisma galore. Joseph Hewlett plays Alex the lion and seems to fit the role well, seems to be able to really match the film character, which must be what the young audience is there for. Jarneia Richard-Noel has a beautiful voice and really works well in her cumbersome costume.
The stage is lit up and brightly dressed much of the time, it’s a very pleasing and a positive sight, you can almost feel the Madagascan sun! Great lighting, well done to lighting designers Howard Hudson and Tom Mulliner. Some clever use of the transporting boxes that frame the stage, using boxes for stage dressings to pop out of depending on which scene they are on. Costumes are fantastic and really add authenticity to the characters. Especially tricky costume for Melman, fantastic work from the brilliant Joshua Oakes-Rogers for controlling it so well while performing.
Selladoor Worldwide have toured with this production since 2018. The show has landed in Australia, USA, New Zealand and the UK, performing to over quarter of a million. It’s really worth a watch, especially if you have little ones that are fans of the films. Perfect in size for wriggly legs with it being in two acts and in total only 105 minutes. If you want to see this, then you really need to ‘Move It, Move It’ to get tickets quick!