[Ad-gifted] Madagascar The Musical brings the beloved 2005 Dreamworks hit film to life on stage. Libby Dallimore and family enjoyed the infectious energy and lively performances on opening night at The Regent Theatre, Stoke.
After a long week of SATs for both Sebastian, aged 11 and Margot, aged 7, what better way to celebrate the end of the exams and brighten up a (typically) dull and rainy spring evening than a trip to the theatre?
As long-time fans of the Dreamworks franchise, we were thrilled to be invited to review the stage version that follows Marty the zebra (Francisco Gomes), Alex the lion (Joseph Hewlett), Gloria the hippo (Jarnéia Richard – Noel), and Melman the giraffe (Joshua Oakes-Rogers) as they embark on a wild adventure from their New York Zoo home to the exotic island of Madagascar.
Running at The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Thursday 16 May to Sunday 18 May, the story follows the friendship and adventure of our heroes, Alex the lion, king of the urban jungle and Marty the zebra. As the main attraction at New York’s Central Park Zoo, Alex and his menagerie of best friends have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity. Not content with a life behind bars, Marty wants more and eventually lets his curiosity get the better of him, making his escape – with the help of some prodigious penguins – to explore the world with his pals. It’s not long before they meet everyone’s favourite character – the lively and eccentric, King Julian and realise friendship is the greatest freedom of all.
Karim Zeroual, CBBC presenter and contestant on BBC’s 2019 series of Strictly Come Dancing shines as the colourful King Julian and definitely brought the energy to the show with his performance and witty quips having the audience in stitches. Sometimes, shows geared towards younger audiences can feel a bit dull but Zeroual got the whole audience laughing and up dancing during the reprise of Reel to Real’s “I Like To Move It.”
Director Kirk Jameson‘s simple yet engaging plot allows the audience to focus on the vibrant characters and their hilarious antics and there’s always plenty going on on stage to keep younger viewers entertained and engaged.
The costuming and puppetry, expertly crafted by Tom Rogers, really brings the beloved characters to life with impressive detail. We really liked the fact the puppeteers and actors were dressed like zoo keepers and their presence on stage wasn’t distracting in the slightest. They did a great job at bringing the penguins to life and gave us lots of laughs throughout.
The whole cast, particularly Jarnéia Richard – Noel as Gloira the hippo and Connor Keetley as Skipper the penguin were phenomenal and vocally very true to their original characters. It was like listening to the original vocal actors from the film which my children really enjoyed. Francisco Gomes as the restless Marty was lacking in energy at times which could be a character choice but it sometimes distracted from the pace of the show.
While some of the musical numbers may not be instantly recognisable, there were some real catchy show tunes and of course the crowd-pleasing rendition of “I Like to Move (It Move It)” had everyone dancing and singing along.
Overall, Madagascar The Musical offers a delightful escape into a wild world of friendship and fun. The perfect introduction to theatre for younger members and equally enjoyable for mums, dads and the whole family.
Cast
Karim Zeroual will lead the cast of the brand-new tour of smash-hit family favourite Madagascar The Musical as the hilarious King Julien.
Joining Karim on stage will be Laura Marie Benson (Kowalski), Francisco Gomes (Marty), Aidan Harkins (Swing), Joseph Hewlett (Alex), James Hilton (Ensemble), Gabriel Hinchliffe (Swing), Ella Howlett (Rico), Connor Keetley (Skipper/ Maurice), Brogan McFarlane (Private/ Mort), Joshua Oakes-Rogers (Melman) and Jarneia Richard-Noel (Gloria).
Creatives
Madagascar The Musical is directed by award-winning Kirk Jameson with choreography from Fabian Aloise with Musical Supervision from Mark Crossland, Puppet Design by Max Humphries and Puppet Direction from Emma Brunton.
How much are the tickets?
Tickets are priced from £13 to £56. For Groups (10 or more), call their dedicated Groups team on 020 7206 1174 or email groupsales@atgtickets.com. A transaction charge applies to online/phone bookings.
How do I book tickets to watch Madagascar The Musical?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7615 or by visiting ATG’s website here. Age guidance: Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult and cannot be sat separately, no Under 3s will be admitted.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The show will be running until Saturday, 19 May 2024.
Fri at 19:00
Sat and Sun 15:00
Where is The Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent?
Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
Tel: 08448717649
About Regent Theatre
The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.
Tips / Information
- Masks and Covid passes are not mandatory in the Theatre at the moment
- Ample public car park spaces are available near to the Regent Theatre. The nearby John Street car park is the closest and it closes at 11.30pm while the Pottery Centre carpark charges a fixed rate of £1.50 (after 6pm) and this carpark closes at 11pm
- Accessibility: On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
- There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)
- There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium
- Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request
- Accessible toilets are available
You may also want to read this:
Review: The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan at Regent Theatre
Review: The Addams Family Musical Comedy at The Regent Theatre
Review: Annie with Lesley Joseph playing Miss Hannigan at The Regent Theatre
Photo Credit: Regent Theatre/Phil Tragen
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
15 comments
If anything deserves to be a musical, it’s Madagascar! It was such a great movie, and I’d love to ee the musical version.
I agree, the music and costumes are superb
I love this idea so much! The show sounds amazing, and the costumes are outstanding. This definitely looks like a winner!
So glad you like the idea of Madagascar the Musical, fabulous as family entertainment
Madagascar The Musical sounds like a fantastic way to bring the beloved Dreamworks film to life! The performances by Francisco Gomes, Joseph Hewlett, Jarnéia Richard-Noel, and Joshua Oakes-Rogers must have truly captured the spirit of Marty, Alex, Gloria, and Melman, making for a lively and memorable evening.
Indeed it was an evening to remember and I had such a fun time with my family
Thank you for your lovely comment
Oh this looks epic! . The girls love Madagascar, perfect treat out
Indeed it was a great night out
My daughter loves the “Madagascar” movies! We would love to watch “Madagascar The Musical” should it come to California.
So glad she love it and I bet she would enjoy the musical too
I really do enjoy performances that use big puppets! This looks really magical.
It was and my kids enjoyed the show
It sounds like the perfect way to unwind with the kids after a hectic week of exams. Your detailed descriptions of the characters and the vibrant performances have me excited to take my family.
It absolutely was, we had a great time!