Madagascar the musical at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff – review

Thanks to Wales Millennium Centre for providing us with tickets for Madagascar the Musical for the purpose of this review

The atmosphere was buzzing as Madagascar opened at Wales Millennium Centre last night. It was great to see the theatre filled with families making the most of the earlier start time of 5pm. And with a running length of less than two hours, including interval, it’s a perfect early evening treat that won’t mean too late a bedtime for little ones either. The show is only in town for a few days, but if you’re quick, you can still get tickets for Saturday and Sunday’s 11am and 5pm performances.

Based on Dreamworks’ much-loved animated film from 2005, Madagascar follows a group of animals as they escape 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.

It’s a fun and lively production filled with humour and laugh out loud moments, all set to an original score which had the audience clapping and dancing along throughout. 

The costumes are brilliant, with Alex the Lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo all looking like their film counterparts, with Melman’s outfit and its long neck particularly clever. Other characters such as the penguins, monkeys and most of the lemurs are large puppets controlled by actors who might be visible but are so skilled you almost forget they are there. This is all aided by Howard Hudson’s clever lighting, which depicts everything from the New York skyline, to beautiful silhouettes, to the vivid colours of Madagascar.

Joseph Hewlett as Alex, Francisco Gomes as Marty, Joshua Oakes-Rogers as Melman and Jarnéia Richard-Noel as Gloria drive the action with their energy and enthusiasm, as the animals realise that life away from captivity, with their adoring public and meals being provided for them, is harder than they imagined.

But it is Connor Keetley as the charismatic and quirky King Julien who the audience most love. He plays the role with so much energy and a little bit of plenty of energy you’d never guess he was deputising for CBBC and Strictly star Karim Zeroual who will be in the role for the rest of the run. I Like To Move It, which famously appears in the film, is understandably a musical highlight, even more so when it’s revived for the closing moments of the show and we’re all invited to get up and dance.

It’s a really fun and lively production, enjoyable for all ages. But there are a few small flaws. Whereas the film works on different levels for adults and children, some of this was missing in the stage musical. There’s the odd grown up quip, but it feels like it’s targeted especially at the younger demographic. Some of the plot jumps aren’t fully explained either, but that doesn’t stop the audience from bouncing around in their seats and giggling out loud, having a brilliant time.

If you’re looking for a first ‘big’ show for your children, or a feel-good entertaining night out for all the family, Madagascar is perfect. It’s on until Sunday with performances at 11am and 5pm each day.

Madagascar is at Wales Millennium Centre until Sunday 30 June. Performances are daily at 5pm and from Friday to Sunday 11am. Tickets cost from £15. Age guidance, 3+. Running time is approximately 2 hours (including 1 interval). Friday 11am is a relaxed performance. 

For more information, including how to book, visit the Wales Millennium Centre website.