The Lion King Musical in Madrid: Tips and Experience
Are you considering attending the The Lion King musical in Madrid but unsure if it's worth it? Having recently experienced it ourselves, we want to share our thoughts and compare it to the Broadway version in New York, which we had the pleasure of seeing a few years back. Rest assured, we’ll keep spoilers to a minimum. Uaaaachuweñaaaa…
This was our second time witnessing the magic, and just like the first, the moment the song "Circle of Life" started playing and the giraffe appeared on stage, I was in tears. Why the giraffe? No clue, but statistically, I’ve cried every single time it happens. What can we do?
The Lion King is a cherished part of many childhoods—personally, it was the first movie I ever saw in a theater. Since its release in 1994, it has transcended generations, evidenced by the fact that every performance of its musical in Madrid fills up with families of all ages. Rest assured, from grandparents to parents, everyone leaves their age at the door to revel like a child for the 2 hours and 45 minutes of the show.
The Lion King musical established itself in Madrid in 2011, but long before that, it had already mesmerized audiences in theaters around the world since its Broadway debut in 1997. Undoubtedly, it is the most successful musical of its kind, boasting over 110 million spectators, of which 5 million have experienced the Madrid version. That alone seems like a compelling reason to plan a trip to Spain's capital. Are you in?
Performances take place at the Teatro Lope de Vega, located right on Gran Vía in the heart of Madrid, every day except Mondays, with some days featuring double shows. The musical lasts approximately two hours, divided into two parts with a 20-minute intermission. So, for 2 hours and 45 minutes, expect continuous emotion, goosebumps, magic, laughter, and a few tears. Still wondering if it's worth it? Let’s dive into the details…
Is it worth seeing The Lion King Musical?
The only reason we’d hesitate to attend The Lion King musical in Madrid would be the price. Indeed, it’s not cheap. Tickets range from €27 for the most affordable seats to over €100 for premium seating. However, this is an experience that will be etched in your memory forever, comparable to a lovely dinner with dessert and coffee.
So to answer the question, absolutely, it’s worth it! Having seen the musical on Broadway, we had some reservations; thoughts like “it can’t be as impressive,” “maybe the actors won’t measure up,” or “will the sound be as good?” But honestly, not only did we not feel disappointed, but the Madrid version of The Lion King outshone the Broadway one!
The dialogues (obviously clearer in Spanish), the costumes, the sets, the lighting, the music… wow, it was an incredible experience, and we couldn’t have enjoyed it more. A solid 10 out of 10!
Overview of The Lion King Musical in Madrid
If you’re one of the few who might not know the storyline, here’s a brief synopsis (spoiler alert!). The Lion King is a Disney animated film created in 1994 that tells the tale of Simba, a young lion who must reclaim his place as king of the savannah after the death of his father, Mufasa, at the hands of his uncle, Scar. This cunning villain convinces Simba that he is responsible for the tragedy, leading the young lion to flee and abandon his family.
During his escape, Simba meets two amusing and loyal friends, Pumba and Timón, who teach him the philosophy of "Hakuna Matata—live and be happy." However, Simba’s life takes a drastic turn when he reunites with Nala, his childhood friend. She reveals the grim reality of their kingdom, now a shadow of its former self due to Scar's alliance with the hyenas, the historical enemies of lions.
Realizing he must confront his past and reclaim his throne, Simba embarks on a journey with his friends to defeat Scar. The story ends as it begins, with an emotional ceremony welcoming a new member to the pride—Simba and Nala's cub. The circle of life closes, yet simultaneously opens anew.
Music, scenic design, and costumes
Throughout the show, the ambiance shifts continuously, adapting to the mood of each scene—be it tense, dramatic, action-packed, or comedic. The lighting plays a crucial role, and the set changes instantaneously, featuring a movable mountain that serves multiple purposes.
The live music is provided by an orchestra positioned at the foot of the stage, significantly enhancing the immersion into the unfolding story. The performers' voices were truly remarkable, particularly those of Rafiki and Scar.
Lastly, the costumes and masks may well be the most striking aspect of the entire production. We don’t want to spoil too much, but just know you’re in for a visual treat.
Types of tickets, seating, and prices
At Teatro Lope de Vega, there are various seating zones with different price levels based on visibility. Here’s a breakdown of the seating options for The Lion King in Madrid, listed from “best to worst” or “most expensive to cheapest”:
- Gold and Silver Seats; from €100 to €130
- Preferred Club, Club A, and Club B; from €75 to €100
- Boxes; starting from €85
- Preferred Stalls (central), Stalls A, and Stalls B (side); from €75 to €95
- Balconies A, B, and C; from €27 to €60
* Prices vary based on the day and time of the performance. Generally, the cheapest days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, while Fridays and Saturdays are the most expensive.
We sat in the Preferred Stalls, located centrally and at a comfortable distance from the stage, and found them to be excellent seats. However, your options depend on your budget and preferences.
Prepare your tissues and therapists XD
Throughout the musical, you’ll be transported to the African savannah, enchanted by the graceful movements of cheetahs and lionesses, laughing with Simba, Rafiki, Pumba, Timon, and Zazu, crying with Mufasa, singing legendary songs, and eagerly anticipating each scene change. It doesn’t matter if you’re 7 or 70 years old.
As we exited the theater, everyone around us shared the same glimmer in their eyes. It was a privilege to experience this with my parents—who had never attended a musical before. What a memorable debut! Since its premiere, it has become one of the main attractions in Madrid, so don’t think too long about it; it’s money well spent (and if you can afford top seats, go for it).
The best and worst of The Lion King musical in Madrid
Before we conclude, here are the highlights and lowlights of our experience:
› Pros: we had an absolute blast, not a dull moment, and the quality of the performers, sets, costumes, dancers, sound, and orchestra… simply phenomenal.
› Cons: the only downside was related to seating; if you’re shorter and a tall person (like the one in front of us at 1.90m) is sitting in front of you, you’ll have to crane your neck like a giraffe (and try not to cry). There are boosters for kids, but ideally, the theater would have a steeper slope for better visibility for everyone. In the end, it’s a matter of luck, just like in any cinema.
› Conclusion: even with the head in the way, it was a unique experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime (or two, or three). We’re already considering returning to see the musical of Aladdin, as this is truly addictive!
Final recommendations
- Arrive at least half an hour early to take your seat and soak in the theater’s atmosphere.
- In the theater hall, there’s a section where you can purchase merchandise (t-shirts, plush toys, mugs, etc.). They may not be cheap, but they make great souvenirs.
- Before the show starts, vendors walk through the seats selling the program for €1, which is also a lovely keepsake and lists all the actors.
If you're interested in a deeper dive into this experience, check out this video featuring audience testimonials:
Have you seen The Lion King musical in Madrid? What did you think?
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