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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2016 15:20:45 GMT
 Surprised not to find a thread for this. Currently looking to book one of the stalls' boxes for this, as we had a lot of poor behaviour around us the first/last time we went (which ruined the whole experience), I don't want to risk it again. Everyone I speak to, tell me how much they adored the show, so I'm beginning to wonder whether I'm missing out. Unfortunately they only sell all 4 tickets together, not in pairs for these boxes in particular. Is there a crafty hack or am I going to convince two of our friends to shell out £70 for this with us? |
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Post by steve10086 on Jun 11, 2016 17:26:20 GMT
Buy the DVD and a bottle of vodka and you'll have a better experience. Sorry, I know this doesn't answer your questions, but honestly - it's good for about 5 minutes then it's the worst musical on the stage. I couldn't agree with this more. Stunning start. Awful musical. |
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Post by infofreako on Jun 11, 2016 17:29:25 GMT
Thirded. They could sell tickets for the first ten minutes
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Post by ptwest on Jun 11, 2016 17:32:14 GMT
Agree the first 5 minutes are wonderful. After that, there are some fabulous moments but also some toe curlingly awful ones. For me, the moments that are more "African" and less cartoony are easily the highlights. Don't get me started on the dialogue. And that bizarre jumping action they make Simba do every other line really started to annoy me!
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Post by David J on Jun 11, 2016 18:08:00 GMT
I liked it as a kid about a decade ago. After seeing the tour I agree that it's great in the first five minutes but after that its just boring
I can never really put my finger on why. Does that mean the story in the film is (GASP) terrible. I mean I would rather watch the film any time
The only real conclusion I can come up with is that whilst the use of African masks is great, just simply watching animated animals in the film is much better. The stampede for one is more thrilling in the film than on stage
I remember reading a comment on the Broadway world forum that Julie Taymor is good as a visual storyteller (or something like that), but beyond the visuals the show feels a bit empty
Then again I can buy the fact like the objects like Lumiere and Cogsworth are blown up to human size in Beauty and the Beast the musical so what do I know
I definetly agree that the cartoonish characters clash with the African designs
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2016 19:20:52 GMT
Also agree the film is far superior. The first 10 minutes of the show are stunning, and worth seeing once, but I wouldn't call the rest of the show value for money or ever think of making a repeat visit. The film is still one of my all-time favourites though!
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Post by kenneth on Jun 11, 2016 19:54:24 GMT
I have seen Lion King 3 times over the years...not because I am a fan but because I have taken assorted junior family members....saw it last year and was amazed that many of the principals who I saw 5 years ago are still there....AND are phoning it in!!! All the actors I thought were brilliant 5 years ago have left (hopefully onto bigger and better things). The first 5 minutes is wonderful but like a game of poker it plays its' best hand first and the rest of the night pales by comparison. Some of the actors (like Scar) were just shouting their lines. It needs a good clear out and freshen up IMHO
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2016 20:41:25 GMT
I swear the guy who plays Scar has been playing it for like 7 years now?!
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Post by David J on Jun 11, 2016 21:07:50 GMT
Also whilst the additional African music and dancing is nice to watch (One by One would be the best), seriously which numbers do we remember the most
Mind you the drought moment was certainly effective
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Post by welsh_tenor on Jun 11, 2016 22:26:28 GMT
Totally agree, one of the best openers there is, it's just stunning!
You almost want them to repeat it so you can see it all again as there's so much going on as it builds! But after that I got a bit bored...
He lives in you is pretty good and so too the reprise but that's it....
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Post by Michael on Jun 12, 2016 0:36:58 GMT
Agree with all the others. Only saw it once, and while I hugely enjoyed the first ten minutes, I was bored throughout the entire rest and constantly checking my watch. I have absolutely no intention of ever returning.
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Post by mrtumnus on Jun 14, 2016 17:32:46 GMT
17 years and still running. It must be doing something right. Take out the opening scene and you have a good, entertaining show. Unfortunately  the opening is spectacular so the rest is dull by comparison, but by no means poor. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2016 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2016 20:38:46 GMT
'Ultinately the opening is high culture and the rest is just pure death to the seasoned theatre goer'
This sounds really snobby.
Personally i really like it, and love parts of it. Yes it has some pacing issues but its theatre at its best, creative and really captures many peoples imagination. i love the African music throughout it, some beautiful moments. I just wish theyd stop tweaking it, i liked morning report and the aerial ballet.
Having recently seen the poppins uk tour it reminded me how poppins has pacing issues and for me is harder to sit through at times than lion king
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Post by HereForTheatre on Jun 19, 2016 9:19:40 GMT
I saw this for the first time yesterday afternoon. It isn't one i'm in a desperate hurry to go back to but i'm very glad i've seen it and think it's a great show that i was really happy to experience. There are some really spectacular moments and i don't agree at all the first bit is the only highlight. I was in awe of some of the creativity and the visuals and some moments gave me chills. It was unexpectedly funny in places and i really quite liked the up to date comedy references and the little moments it broke the 4th wall as well, which were very unexpected. I loved the African music, some of which really gave me goosebumps and I really thought everyone gave a great performance as well.
All in all, again, not one i want to see tomorrow but one i really enjoyed and was pleased i went to see and experience. I would definitely like to go back in the future at some point.
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Post by TheatreDust on Jun 19, 2016 9:26:35 GMT
I really need to go and see this - mainly because it is occupying one of the final three West-End/mainstream theatres in London that I've never seen a show at. The other two being the Fortune and St Martins; though from a slightly fuller list arguably I should also go to The Globe and Sam Wanamaker.
I really don't know why it doesn't appeal to me - maybe it is the 'Disney badge', though I'd rush to see Newsies like a shot if it came over. I haven't even seen the Lion King film.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2016 9:48:43 GMT
I really need to go and see this - mainly because it is occupying one of the final three West-End/mainstream theatres in London that I've never seen a show at. The other two being the Fortune and St Martins; though from a slightly fuller list arguably I should also go to The Globe and Sam Wanamaker. I really don't know why it doesn't appeal to me - maybe it is the 'Disney badge', though I'd rush to see Newsies like a shot if it came over. I haven't even seen the Lion King film.  I would definitely recommend watching the film first, it's truly wonderful. I have fond childhood memories of it. I have the same feelings about the St. Martin's. I think that because the Mousetrap has become a fixture there for so many years, I always rush out to book for the shows that are less likely to be hanging around. I suspect when it announces closing lots of folks will rush to go. |
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Post by HereForTheatre on Jun 19, 2016 10:11:25 GMT
They live in you/he lives in me were my fave songs. Serious chills during those songs. Beautiful.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2016 10:19:21 GMT
Not seeing the stage show is one thing, but not having seen the film is almost a tragedy!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2016 10:21:11 GMT
They live in you/he lives in me were my fave songs. Serious chills during those songs. Beautiful. Whenever someone asks me what I thought of the show and I start telling them the opening is amazing, I remember these two incredible songs and have them both as up there with the opening! |
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Post by danb on Jun 19, 2016 10:38:35 GMT
Quite right danieljohnson14. I hadn't really noticed that song's beauty til I took my son to the tour in Cardiff a few years ago, but have been a fan ever since. Perhaps not quite enough to be a regular attendee, but I'll probably check in every couple of years.
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Post by HereForTheatre on Jun 19, 2016 10:40:23 GMT
I think as well with those it's the staging that adds to it as well. They were really just special moments for me in the show.
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Post by Nelly on Jul 12, 2016 15:53:27 GMT
Launching on the 19th July:
A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase for just £25 via a daily lottery.
Beginning two and a half hours before the performance, guests are invited to enter the lottery in person at the Lyceum Theatre to be in with the chance of purchasing up to two £25 tickets.
This is exciting news!
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Post by Jon on Jul 12, 2016 16:00:16 GMT
Launching on the 19th July via the TodayTix app: A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase for just £25 via a daily lottery. Beginning two and a half hours before the performance, guests are invited to enter the lottery in person at the Lyceum Theatre to be in with the chance of purchasing up to two £25 tickets. This is exciting news! I wouldn't be surprised if it was decided due to the success of the online Lottery on Broadway. |
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Post by westendwendy on Jul 12, 2016 16:42:34 GMT
Launching on the 19th July via the TodayTix app: A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase for just £25 via a daily lottery. Beginning two and a half hours before the performance, guests are invited to enter the lottery in person at the Lyceum Theatre to be in with the chance of purchasing up to two £25 tickets. This is exciting news! I wouldn't be surprised if it was decided due to the success of the online Lottery on Broadway.
And they need to do it online or on an APP. People have to work!
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the opening is spectacular so the rest is dull by comparison, but by no means poor.
