Rose Theatre Kingston- until 7 July 2023
Reviewed by Carly Burlinge
4****
The Rose Theatre brings you the production of Wild, an award-winning Broadway style musical written by Leanne Nicholls and music by Nick Harvey alongside the amazing City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong. The story begins with Jim (Jordan Cheng) and Chad (Freddy Au Yeung) , two animal poachers that are on a mission to catch endangered species. During their search, they come across a Wild Orchestra filled with many animals that are vibrant, colourful, uplifting, and full of energy, with their Chief the Lion (Apollo Wong) making a spectacular appearance as the conductor of the orchestra, he had such a glorious mane that radiated his confidence and leadership for all to see, not to mention the gleaming glitter of his outfit making him all that more fabulous and showing us that he’s definitely the King of the Jungle. Alongside the Lion was an array of spectacular animals which filled the stage playing various musical instruments with much character pure eye-catching brilliance. Let us be honest, where else are you going to view dancing hip hop Hippos, Toucans on a flute and a Lemur on a unicycle! As the story unfolds the poachers entice the Rhino and Toucan away making plans for this exceptionally talented duo to go on further making it big on New York’s Broadway! Will they get away with their evil plan or will the amazing orchestra of animals fight to get their band back!
The stage itself was done in a spectacular way with much greenery of trees and vines giving it the effect of a rainforest and amazing sounds of birds tweeting noises flowing across the audience. Alongside some outstanding lighting that spread across the seating area making the audience feel a part of it all. The costumes and makeup must have a mention as they were just phenomenal and unique, simply eye-catching. The stage came alive and gave such an amazing, uplifting vibe that made the audience smile from ear to ear. If you fancy a family evening out that has much to offer with great music, movement, and dance, then get yourself down to Wild the musical. You won’t be disappointed.