The Lion: Southwark playhouse

If you’re not one for eye contact with performers, stay away from the show. If you’re willing to be serenaded by a very tra lended Max Alexander-Taylor, this is 75mins you don’t want to miss. I was deeply moved throughout the evening and the intimate space made it really feel like we we were all experiencing something together, watching the reactions of the other audience members. The songs carry the show well and we’re given a real opportunity to stop and follow Bens story. Really highly recommended

I first saw The Lion performed by its author Benjamin Scheuer at the Royal Albert Hall where he was support act to Mary Chapin Carpenter in 2014. I've never known such audience silence for a support or a standing ovation at the end. I purchased the CD the following day.

It's a one man concert, part story, part songs and music, not really a traditional musical. Ben's story covers losing a challenging parent in childhood, relationships, a career in music (Max is a fab guitarist and vocalist) and serious illness in early adult life. It is moving but in an uplifting and ultimately joyous way and there's plenty of humour.

I was in the front row and chatted a little to Max before the show but there's only eye contact during the performance, no other interaction. Nothing like Anyone Can Whistle or Heathers.

I also highly recommend this (unlike the other show at Southwark at the moment - The Lift - which I didn't enjoy at all)