THE COLOURFUL costumes and heart-warming songs of The Lion King first graced the West End over 26 years ago, yet one person knows the show more intimately than anyone else.
Leading actor George Asprey never imagined he would’ve stayed playing Scar in The Lion King for six months, let alone over 17 years, but it didn’t take him long to fall in love with the production.
Since then, millions have watched him act Scar on stage at the Lyceum Theatre.
And as a result, the actor obviously has a lot of tips for visitors.
His first piece of advice, is that whether you are new to the show or have seen it a thousand times, to come with no expectations.
He said: “Allow yourself to just open up to the set and the costumes.
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“It is difficult to take everything in, in one sitting, and when you come again, you’ll pick up the different nuances.
“Maybe in the scenery, for example.”
George shared how this is particularly true for one fan, who has seen the show over 100 times “just because she loved it so much and said there was always something to see”.
He added: “She would say ‘this is what I love to do’ – different shows affect different people in different ways, and for her, it was just her love of life in the show.”
One moment is particularly special though, admitted George.
He said: “When people watch The Lion King for the first time, they will never get that experience again – that feeling or reaction.
“I think I am always aware of that kid in the audience, mainly because of having my own children and I know firsthand, as to him and to everyone at the show, I need to be the best possible Scar I can be.
“It is a huge responsibility for all of us to consider the legacy and I think that’s probably one of the reasons I like to think the show continues to impress people.”
And having been in the show for such a long time, George of course has tips for those heading to the show.
He revealed: “I’ve had friends right at the front of the stalls and I have had friends right at the bottom end of the upper circle, and I think the one thing about the Lyceum is that all of the viewing is extraordinary.
“I really don’t think there’s a vantage point in the upper circle where you won’t see everything still.
“I think it its decent price for a reason and I don’t think it’s not worth it and I wouldn’t avoid coming if you can only afford a certain seat, because you still get a wonderful experience.”
George added how it is so much more than a show, that the costumes are all like their own pieces of art.
“Like you have a full-size elephant just walking down he aisle – it is such a feast for the eyes,” he said.
“There are just so many incredible moments in the show.
“I follow two of the greatest numbers in the show – Scar comes on and completely changes the tone.
“I think the Lion King has one of the greatest opening numbers of any musical ever,” he added.
And whilst people may think The Lion King is a show for kids, they couldn’t be more wrong.
George said: “When you’re younger, of course, you think Scar is the scariest character, but then as you get older – you start to think the language is so beautiful, his costume is so interesting and everything he says actually has a point to it.
“It truly is a family show, because every member of the family will get something different from it.”
Each time George performs, he gets to the show around 5:30pm and then by 6pm he is in costume.
He revealed: “We have to be there at 6pm, to start vocal and physical warm up – which runs until 6:30pm – then I am straight into hair and makeup and after makeup straight down to costume.
“I’ll get back to my dressing room by five past 10 and considering the amount of makeup I’m wearing, I’m so quick at getting it off – I am normally out the building by 10:15/10:20pm.”
Of course, they are days where it is more difficult though, like when he is unwell, but he did share “it’s never to do with the job itself”.
As for his routine to ensure he doesn’t get unwell often, he makes sure to eat clean – apart from Sundays, when “all bets are off”.
He also works out as much as he can.
Through 17 years George has had many memorable moments as well – but the most memorable?
“The first show back after Covid,” he revealed, “theatre was the last thing to return so it was a long time coming.
“And of course, it meant a lot to everyone.
“I’m actually welling up at the thought of it.
“To not be able to do what you love doing for 17 months and not seeing the people you love seeing – it’s hard and suddenly, people could enjoy the theatre again.”
He concluded: “All I can say is that it is a huge honour [to play Scar] and something that I never take for granted.”
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