I love to hear a crowd roar
The star of the West End production on why he can’t wait to perform as Simba in Edinburgh
SINCE the 1994 Disney animated film The Lion King became an instant classic it has entertained theatres and family homes.
As well as the original film there have been two video films, two TV series, a 2019 photorealistic remake and the 1997 Broadway adaption featuring actors in animal costumes and giant puppets.
From Thursday for a month the Edinburgh Playhouse will be transported to the Serengeti Plains and resound to the rhythms of Africa as The Lion King tells the story of Simba and his journey to be King of the Pridelands.
Taking the “mane” part is Stephenson Ardern-Sodje from Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Why should people come to see The Lion King at the Playhouse?
Because places outside of the West End rarely get to see a show of this size, scope and scale.
It is an epic performance that still features such a touching and personal story.
We’ve come through a really difficult time, we’ve had so much uncertainty, so much doubt and sadness in our lives and The Lion King is a show about joy, release and community.
When did you realise you had caught the acting bug? Growing up, I was one of the only nonwhite kids in my school which makes you stand out. I was very energetic. I was curious and it was a nice way to channel that energy. It was a way for people to understand me and I felt very understood on stage.
When did you get your first big break?
I was singing in a choir and somebody posted in the WhatsApp group that Hamilton the Musical (London) were having open auditions, so I sent a video of me singing and rapping and got called in and got a recall.
I got down to finals but they said because I’d never done anything else before, professionally, they were not sure if it was the right time but wanted to keep in contact.
Then they asked if I would consider training. So … they sent me to the Royal Academy of Music.
It was a one-year masters and I did the first two terms and then somebody in Hamilton needed to go on paternity leave so I graduated early and they pulled me out to go and be in the show.
I made my West End debut covering Hamilton.
How does it feel to be playing such an iconic role as Simba?
It feels unreal. I saw the show for the first time and I was blown away. I was about 10 years old and with so many people, I grew up with the film.
I think for every young black boy – and the same with every young black girl who looks at Nala – it is the role.
It’s the role that you look at and you go “imagine”. More importantly, it’s the role you see yourself represented in.
To be able to step into those shoes – I feel like a torch bearer. It feels epic in the truer sense of the word.
What does The Lion King mean to you?
I am half-Nigerian on my dad’s side and Nigerian culture is vibrant, loud and very emotional. Music is such a big part of Nigerian culture alongside community and family.
This show represents so much of that to me. There are lots of Africa-inspired sounds and beautiful traditional African music interwoven with the amazing modern score but there are so many moments of real black joy that you don’t really see anywhere else in the West End or many other places in theatre.
For me, it kind of does feel like a reconnection with that side of my family.
How did you learn to move like a cub?
I’ve been back in the gym, doing a lot more cardio. What was an illuminating experience was my final round of auditions, they bought the Simba mantle (the headpiece) in and they asked me to put it on and it is, metaphorically and literally, heavy.
They gave me a minute and I found my footing and my physicality. I felt like a lion.
What’s your favourite song that Simba sings?
He Lives in You. It sums up Simba’s entire journey for me in that no matter how far off track you get, you can always find your way back home. ● The Lion King runs from Thursday, June 2, to July 2 at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Tickets can be bought at www.atgtickets.com/venues/ edinburgh-playhouse