Fabricated Players promise unprecedented realism by casting actual lions in The Lion King

THE Fabricated Players have announced an ambitious production of The Lion King featuring actual lions after deciding costumes would “look a bit amateur”.

The society says the decision to cast six fully grown African lions will bring an unprecedented level of realism to the local stage, while also reducing the costume budget by almost £400.

Director Colin Clarke said: “We watched the West End production and the puppetry is obviously incredible.

“But ultimately you’re still looking at a person pretending to be a lion.

“We thought: why not cut out the middleman?”

The production will feature an actual male lion as Simba, another as Scar and four lionesses alternating between Nala, the ensemble and “whoever they happen to be standing near”.

Auditions were abandoned after the lions ate the audition forms.

Clarke said: “There were some concerns about whether an actual lion could convey Simba’s emotional journey from frightened cub to rightful king.

“But then we remembered Barry played Sky Masterson last year and nobody knew what he was feeling either.”

Rehearsals have required several minor adjustments.

Blocking has largely been replaced by “seeing where the lions go”, while the choreographer has stopped giving notes after Scar responded badly to being told he was upstaging Rafiki.

Musical director Helen Price admitted the lions’ singing remains a concern.

She said: “They don’t really know the score.

“On the other hand, when Simba roars during Circle of Life, you absolutely believe him.”

The society has promised that audience safety remains its highest priority.

The first three rows have been removed, there are no meat-flavoured crisps, and patrons are being advised not to make sudden movements during Can You Feel the Love Tonight.

A risk assessment originally running to two pages has been expanded to 146.

The section headed “Lion” simply says “AVOID”.

Backstage morale is reportedly mixed.

Several ensemble members have withdrawn after discovering that their role as wildebeest involves running directly past six hungry predators.

Cast member Derek Turner said: “Colin keeps saying the lions have been fed beforehand.

“I asked what they’d been fed.

“He said, ‘Don’t worry about it.’

“Carol hasn’t been at rehearsal since Tuesday.”

The production has already experienced one significant artistic disagreement over Mufasa’s death.

Clarke explained: “In the script, Mufasa falls from a cliff.

“Our Mufasa has made it very clear he isn’t doing that.

The society remains confident that using live animals will prove considerably cheaper than hiring professional puppets, although expenditure on reinforced doors, veterinary support and replacing the prompt corner has now exceeded £36,000.

The show opens on Thursday, assuming the cast can be persuaded to leave the dressing room.

The lions are ready.