Madagascar the Musical is coming to Ireland this spring

Strictly finalist Karim Zeroual will lead the cast — and move it move it — as King Julien

Wed, 07 Feb, 2024 - 14:25

Caroline Delaney

Madagascar The Musical is coming to Dublin's Gaiety Theatre from April 11-14.

Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, this stage production follows all the gang as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to King Julien’s Madagascar.

Madagascar The Musical starring Karim Zeroual is directed by award-winning Kirk Jameson

TV presenter and Strictly Come Dancing 2019 finalist, Karim Zeroual, will play King Julien. He says: "I’m really excited, I love the film dearly, it’s one of my favourites. King Julien is such an iconic character I’m looking forward to getting down to Move it Move it! Theatre is actually my one true love. I trained at theatre school and started my career in the West End. I’ve been doing a lot of TV recently so coming back to theatre feels like coming home. There’s nothing like a live audience in front of you. I really can’t wait."

Madagascar The Musical is a co-production with Theatre Royal Plymouth and Selladoor Worldwide. Picture: Mark Dawson

Joining Karim on stage will be Laura Marie Benson (Kowalski), Francisco Gomes (Marty), Aidan Harkins (Swing), Joseph Hewlett (Alex), James Hilton (Ensemble), Gabriel Hinchliffe (Swing), Ella Howlett (Rico), Connor Keetley (Skipper/ Maurice), Brogan McFarlane (Private/ Mort), Joshua Oakes-Rogers (Melman), and Jarneia Richard-Noel (Gloria).

Madagascar the Musical: Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York’s Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends – Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo – have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape – with the help of some penguins – to explore the world. Picture: Mark Dawson

Madagascar The Musical will also be on stage at Belfast's Grand Opera House from March 6-9. The musical is visiting 31 venues across Britain and Ireland.