Madagascar the Musical
New Theatre Oxford
Reviewed on Tuesday 30th April 2019 by Emma Gradwell
★★★★
Spotlights spiral around the auditorium, a crate flies open and a monkey threatens to throw
poop at us if we use our mobile phones – the tone is immediately set for Madagascar the
Musical.
Set designer, Tom Rogers does a magnificent job. The stage is surrounded by packing crates
that may contain some surprises, and moving pieces that instantly transform the set into a
zoo, Grand Central Station and the jungles of Madagascar. The human ‘animals’ are visually
engaging, with clever costumes from Robert Alsopp that help to give them an uncanny
resemblance to their animated counterparts.
Matt Terry is a nimble and energetic Alex the lion, who along with Antoine Murray Straughan as Marty the zebra, relentlessly bound about the stage with fun-filled
choreography provided by Fabian Aloise. Terry’s vocals are great and he is engaging and
likeable. Timmika Ramsay shines as the sassy Hippo, Gloria and her vocals stand out among
the leads.
Jo Parsons shuffles onto the stage after the interval as the ridiculous King Julien, a lemur
with a crazy, indeterminate accent. This is when the production really comes alive. Aside
from the leads, all of the creatures are represented by puppets and are voiced by a talented
team. The penguins waddle out and are hilarious and endearing. Led by Shane McDaid as
Skipper they deliver some cherished lines from the film: “Smile and wave boys, smile and
wave”. The team switch seamlessly between characters, their voices providing much visual
joy to the proceedings. Jessica Niles as Mort the tiny lemur is unbearably cute.
While the musical numbers are not going to set the world alight, Madagascar the Musical
makes up for it with charm and spectacle. There is enough to entertain the adults (rectal
thermometers and a couple of drug-fuelled dream sequences), but it remains at heart a
children’s show. It’s a ninety minute escape from technology and provides the innocence
needed for an uncomplicated and fun evening. The faces of the young audience as they
flossed and sang along with King Julien were an absolute joy, and that surely has to be a job
well done.
Madagascar runs at the New Theatre Oxford until May 4th before continuing its tour
photo credit: Scott Rylander
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