Review: MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL, King's Theatre, Glasgow

Based on the hit 2005 Dreamworks movie Madagascar

Marty the zebra is having a midlife crisis. Based in Central Park Zoo, he starts to dream of a life outside, a life in the wild. Following the lead of some highly organised penguins, Marty makes a break for it into New York City. His friends Alex, Gloria and Melman come looking for him and due to a mishap, they find themselves in shipping containers on their way to Africa by the end of Act One.

Though the first half was enjoyable, Act Two is when things really kick off. The gang arrive in Madagascar and meet the eccentric King Julien. Jo Parsons plays King Julien and was definitely my highlight of the show. As well as a downlight hilarious costume and having all the best lines he takes the lead on the best song of the show- "I Like To Move It Move It".

Now, I have a lot of time for musicals that are aimed at families/children. But what made this trip to the theatre particularly special was taking my seven-year-old friend who was absolutely mesmerised from start to finish. The runtime including interval is 1 hour 50mins which is perfect for the little ones.

The costumes and puppetry in Madagascar are nothing short of spectacular. Jamie Lee-Morgan plays and operates giraffe Melman who is delightfully realistic with his movement. Timmika Ramsay plays the sassy hippo Gloria and was my young friends personal favourite because he said she had the best singing voice.

Madagascar The Musical is a fantastic piece of theatre for children and has enough style and humour to hold adult attention as well.

Madagascar The Musical is at the King's Theatre, Glasgow until Saturday 11th August.

Photo credit: Scott Rylander

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