The Lion King (NZ) product reviews

This has to be one of the best shows I have ever seen. The cast, scenery, story are all top notch and the whole thing just oozes magic. It does not matter where you sit or what your budget is as there are two big screens next to the stage which is filming the whole thing so you never miss out on any of it. Your eyes always have something to look at as the animals are just breathtaking. We were seated near the very back and extremely high and I was very worried when I saw the little stage but my mind was instantly put at ease as soon as it started and my eyes were darting from the screen to the stage to the guys playing the drums.

If you have seen the movie you know the basic story - except, with this Scar has so much charm and charisma that you kind of hope that it works out for him. There are new songs added to the mix and although the story is the same they have extended and explained some of the scenes more which actually helps with the story. There is still that utterly devastating death scene and it is done so well!

The way they have created this show is nothing short of amazing. The use of props like a bicycle or a fishing rod help the animals come alive or even lighting is added to show some of the busier scenes. Hats shaped like Gazelles are added with their arms moving the creatures around and some instances the people become the animals or they have a mask away from their face - it is incredible to witness. Even there is a part where animals walk down the aisles and all I can say is omg the Elephant - goosebumps!

They have even 'Kiwi-fied' it with references to some well know NZ items and there is even a dig at our neighbours across the ditch. They also used some extremely talented NZ youth to play Nala and Simba and wow they were extremely impressive the night we went - considering there was not an empty seat available - these kids blew me out of the water with their courage and skills. Five kids rotate the positions over the three weeks that it will be showing and just to hear him sing 'Hakuna Matata' with Timon and Pumbaa squeals.

Seriously if there is one stage show you want to see this would be it - my only complaint and the complaint from a lot of people - those have to be the most uncomfortable seats ever!! But I would gladly sit on them again to watch it one more time.