Aylesbury Waterside Theatre played host to the theatrical adaptation of DreamWorks’ animated blockbuster Madagascar. From the moment the curtain lifted, the audience was whisked away on a roaring adventure that blended animated charm with the magic of live performance.
For those of you that don’t know the story, may I introduce Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo. The story follows them as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.
The attention to detail in bringing the beloved characters to life was evident, from the wonderful costumes to the impressive set pieces that seamlessly transitioned between scenes.
The whole cast gave their all throughout the show, you could feel their infectious energy. Joseph Hewlett played Alex the lion who was full of energy. Gloria the Hippo was played by Jarnéia Richard-Noel, she was a complete and utter diva. Marty the Zebra played by Francisco Gomes, was as lovable on stage as he was in the film. My two favourites, that are still making me smile now are Joshua Oakes-Rogers at the hypochondriac giraffe Melman, who’s clearly more worried about his health than anything else in life. And from the second act the outrageous Karim Zeroual as King Julien, this for me is when it stopped being a children’s production and was for everyone, how he moved, talked, his mannerisms were just priceless.
Bravo to everyone that helped bring this animated classic to life in a way that is sure to leave a lasting impression on theatregoers and fans alike of all ages. I also loved how the puppetry and innovative stagecraft brought an extra layer of excitement to key scenes, making them even more memorable on stage.
Madagascar fans can “Move It, Move It” down to Aylesbury Waterside Theatre until Saturday 18th November 2023 to see this hilarious show.
Reviews, Blogs and Thoughts by Lara Wadey 