It’s good to receive that energy, (so) we can give that same energy back”.įor Stephenson Ardern-Sodje, who plays the central role of Simba in the show, it is something of a homecoming. “It is a special feeling – a special spark, and a special sort of adrenaline in front of the home crowd…and Manchester has such a lovely warm energy that it brings… and I think we feel that on stage. “It’s an incredibly special moment (and) it’s very overwhelming coming back here to your home and performing in front of a home crowd”, says Francesca. Out of all the cast… the significance of performing the show in Manchester holds a special meaning for Francesca Thompson – who plays an ensemble role in the production and is a local performer from Trafford. I LOVE MCR caught up with some of the cast the afternoon before opening night of a 19-week run that will be thrilling Manchester audiences right through till 11th March. You can real I LOVE MCR’s review by clicking here. The show has enjoyed two previous runs, in 2012, and in 2015…so it’s time to ‘be prepared’ for its ‘roaring’ return, as the Palace theatre once again welcomes audiences to pride rock. The impressively epic production, which features over 50 performers working in tandem with a mind-blowing, 232 puppets, is truly something to behold.

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