THE LYCEUM THEATRE
'A RIP-ROARING SUCCESS' able2uk
HAKUNA MATATA! At last we've been able to spell it. Not since that famous Nanny called Mary uttered that long word starting 'Superf-Cali' has there been such a difficult song title to say or speak! Both words were brought to you from Disney and Hakuna Matata means 'No Worries' If your father was killed by a lion who pushed you off a cliff making you leave home thinking the blame was on you, then singing Hakuna Matata at the top of your cub voice alongside a meercat called Timon and a warthog named Pumbaa will sort you out!
If you have never seen The Lion King you probably haven't a clue what we are going on about. Basically, Mufasa is the lion king and has a son called Simba. Scar is a nasty piece of work and wants Mufasa's role. So he pushes Mufasa off a cliff during a stampede and with the aid of his trustful hyenas becomes King by lying to the heir, Simba that it's his fault and makes him scamper. Simba becomes mates with Timon and Pumbaa, they have a good song and dance. Then Simbas best mate, Nala catches up with him after years, tells Simba that there's a huge famine back home thanks to the current king, Scar and begs him to return. Simba goes home, nearly kills Scar after he tells him that he killed his father and eventually becomes King. He then becomes romantically involved with Nala, they have a son. Elton John sees this as a great opportunity for a song called 'Circle Of Life' and everybody's happy!
Phew! With that out of the way we can start our first disabled access review from the West End.
The Lion King's current den is at The Lyceum Theatre. It's obvious that Disney and the venue have taken disabled access into full consideration. Hell, there's even £10 knocked off the top 3 prices and those having to push a wheelchair can even go free.There's eight wheelchair spaces in the stalls meaning that at the start of both parts you could be rubbing shoulders with the cast as they enter the back of the auditorium in there elegant and outstanding animal costumes down both aisles. There are also lifts to the Grand Circle if you fancy escaping the jungle downstairs so you can transfer from a wheelchair into a required seat.
You can bypass the stampede of the Pride of the general public by entering the thearte through a separate main Exit door. A doorman will give you a hand and a gentle slope will take you into the auditorium so you can enjoy the show providing you don't get locked in the disabled toilets (Which actually did happen to a lady the night we attended, mind you it she was able bodied and the word 'Karma' springs to mind!) Professionally this mishap was sorted out straight away and the intruder trying to bypass the queue for the ladies was rescued.
If you are sitting upstairs then the lift will take you to Row H and fourteen steps will take you down to Row A whilst twelve steps will take you up to Row P. (We didn't count them, the info is in our press pack!)
If your hearing is nonexistent and you can't even hear a furious roar then you will be happy to hear, sorry - happy to read, that special performances with Sign sign interpreters struggling with the Hakuna Matata song are scheduled throughout the year. If sight is a problem then audio described performances are also on the agenda.
Disabled parking are also available outside the theatre, but of course this being London they are very limited.
The burning question of course is, Is It Worth Going To See? And the answer is YES. The show is magnificent and a Rip Roaring Success. The scenery is immaculate and the effects are mind-blowing. As for the lad who plays young Simba he is absolutely brilliant and destined for a very successful future. This is Disney at it's very best and for just under three years you too can put all your worries behind you. HAKUNA MATATA!
Related Sites::