Madagascar The Musical instantly bursts into life with music, fun and colour. Aimed at the younger audience and based on the Dreamworks animation motion picture there is plenty for the whole family from the colourful characters to the jokes many adults would appreciate.
The story opens in Central Park Zoo, New York where a group of penguins have decided to escape. Marty the zebra, Posi Morakinyo, discovers their plan and dreaming of a life in the wild joins their escape. Marty’s friends Alex the lion, Joseph Connor, Gloria the hippo, Hannah Victoria, and Melman the hypochondriac giraffe, Connor Dyer, on realising his escape, rush to find Marty to bring him back. Chaos ensues in New York and all the animals find themselves trapped on a ship and then stranded on Madagascar.
It is during the 2nd Act on the island of Madagascar that the story livens up and the children in the audience certainly became more engaged. That was largely due to the introduction of King Julien, Kieran Mortell, who, as the leader of the non-meat-eating wild animals, instantly bonds with the younger members of the audience.
The songs though catchy are instantly forgettable, apart from ‘Move It Move It’ which had everyone on their feet during the finale.
The entire cast work hard throughout the show, and create a slick production which is the perfect introduction to live theatre for young children.
Madagascar the Musical runs at Darlington Hippodrome until Sunday 13th October.
