REVIEW: The Lion King Jr

‘The Lion King Jr’ by Nelson Youth Theatre Company. Theatre Royal, 14 April 2024. Reviewed by Maxine Noar.

This is the condensed version of the Disney musical and yet it still contains all of the essentials of lion cub Simba’s journey to adulthood and his destiny to be King of the Pridelands.

The opening song of ‘Circle of Life’ set the tone for an extremely colourful and professional production. The costumes are outstanding with a multitude of animals filling the stage. The enormous elephant even drew a round of applause as it entered the theatre.

Strong vocals from Michaela Carruthers as Rafiki helped to hold the harmonies in this rousing song as well as in the very moving ‘He Lives in You’.

First night nerves were evident, affecting the flow of some scenes, but it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the young audience. I feel like a little more musical direction is needed for a couple of the principal roles to help them have the confidence to not hold back and work to hit their notes - however, the acting from everyone was outstanding.

Nelson Youth Theatre does large casts very well and the chorus did not disappoint. The junior chorus bring the cute factor by being either meerkats or jungle plants and the senior chorus were excellent as lionesses or hyenas.

Lily Williams is a standout with her energetic portrayal of the role young Simba, and it was a seamless transition into the older Simba, well performed by Lily Hodson. Elizabeth Lockwood was a hilarious Timon playing off well against Isla Hopkins as Pumba.

Tobias Young as Scar, and the hyenas, were the perfect bad guys. They amused the audience with their evil jokes and responded well to the boos.

The show is almost sold out, so I suggest you get in fast and don’t miss out on the spectacle.

The Lion King Jr is on at the Theatre Royal until 20 April. Get your tickets here.