It would be difficult to find a film more suitable to be adapted for the stage than Disneys The Lion King. Everything about the musical transports you thousands of miles away, to the African Savannah, where lion cub Simba is growing up as the heir to the King of the Jungle, Mufasa. However, after tragedy and treachery strike from Simbas wicked uncle Scar, Simba is banished from the pride - forever. This classic Hamlet plot has graced boards across the world for centuries, but simplified in The Lion King in this dynamic stage musical, and given life in an exciting animal setting, it is absolutely spell-binding for children and adults alike.

The 50-strong ensemble play all the animals of the Serengeti, from hyenas to elephants. The young actors who play cubs Simba and Nala have extraordinary stage presence for two so young, and hold their own among the adult actors, gallivanting around the stage with boundless energy. The puppeteers are masters of a difficult skill: Timon and Zazu are both compelling and comic, perfectly transformed from their animated originals, likewise with humour working on a number of age levels.

The music takes Sir Elton Johns original score for the film, and adds a crowd of new numbers. The original score is by far the most memorable, including most notably the touching songs He Lives in You and Can You Feel The Love Tonight which occur at particularly poignant moments in Simbas life. The songs The Circle of Life and In The Jungle also bring an African ensemble vibe to the production. In these songs particularly, the musicians in raised boxes on the sides of the stage, come into their own. A variety of African instruments are on display, creating a sound simultaneously African in flavour and theatrical in impact. Unfortunately the new editions to the score, particularly Morning Report and Be Prepared are largely unremarkable, and youre unlikely to leave humming them.

The attention to detail in all aspects of the design, the costume, the set and the props, makes for engrossing viewing. Of particular note in the animal parade are the ingenuous masks, which bounce on the foreheads of the lions showing anger, intimacy, and intimidation, and the stilted actors on all fours, which parade down the aisles as giraffes. Block colour back-drops change to project the changing primary colours of the Serengeti panorama. This feature is particularly poignant in what is probably the best staged scene of the play, the wildebeest stampede through the gorge.

The Lion King is a vibrant, energetic African adventure, especially suitable for family viewing. The music is pleasing, though with some exceptions thanks to Sir Elton Johns talents, largely uninspiring. Regardless, the African vibe which pervades the visuals and the music guarantee to make The Lion King a transporting, visual extravaganza.