We sent 10 year old Sofia and her Mum Gemma along to the Swansea Grand for last night’s performance of MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL and we got a resounding ‘must see‘ at the end of the show. In fact, Gemma even said it is a must see again as far a she’s concerned.

This is the musical stage version of the classic, much-loved movie, and it was clear to see from all the excited faces heading into the theatre, that the film holds a special place in the movie collection of most families.

Nothing is missed out for the stage show, and although it is aimed at a younger audience, we can guarantee that mums and dads of all ages will have a fantastic time.

Just like the original film, the musical follows all your favourite characters in one of the most colourful adventures ytou’ll see. Honestly, the stage absolutely popped with colourful sets and costumes, really impressive puppets, and of course, those fantastic songs. Madagascar: The Musical is really funny, but cleverly one of those shows which caters to both kids and adults. We felt it spoke to the audience and not down at them, and that’s a great thing for a production like this.

Playing the role of the hilarious King Julien is TV, theatre and of course Strictly favourite KARIM ZEROUAL, who was really terrific and very much a family favourite. Joining Karim on stage is  Laura Marie Benson (Kowalski), Francisco Gomes (Marty), Aidan Harkins (Swing), Joseph Hewlett (Alex), James Hilton (Ensemble), Gabriel Hinchliffe (Swing), Ella Howlett (Rico), Connor Keetley (Skipper/ Maurice), Brogan McFarlane (Private/ Mort), Joshua Oakes-Rogers (Melman) and Jarneia Richard-Noel (Gloria).

You can watch our interview with Karim below…..

These friends 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.

Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York’s Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends – Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo – have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape – with the help of some prodigious penguins – to explore the world.

If you love the movie you’ll be pleased to know the big anthem ‘I Like To Move It’ is there, along with a really great soundtrack. Some of the new tunes, but instantly familiar, are  ‘Central Park (Raspberry Clouds)’  Alex the Lion has a solo with the incredibly catchy ‘Steak’. But it was always going to be King Julien’s ‘Move It’ which had everyone clapping and tapping along with.

We do want to give a shout out to some of the puppet stars of the show – The Penguins (above). The puppetry is so good and after a few seconds you are completely engaged with the cutest, funniest creatures around. Skippper, Rico, Private, and Kowalski were a little bit of show stealers if were being honest.

We asked Sofia to sum up the show in a few words, she said…..

“It was really really good my favourite character was the zebra Marty he was really funny and he was really good at dancing and singing”.

The show is a great big hit already, and the audience in Swansea loved the opening performances. You will however have to Move It, Move It if you want to catch the show.

MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL is at the Swansea Grand through to Saturday 2nd March. There are just a few performances left, so you’ll need to be quick. For details and tickets go HERE.

It then. returns to South Wales in June getting to Wales Millennium Centre from the 27th through to 30th. Only six performances in the capital, so once again you’ll need to be quick to get the seats you’d like. For more details and tickets, go HERE.