A cracka-lackin’ musical for all the family comes to the stage this week straight from the big screen.

Madagascar the Musical stars The X-Factor 2016 winner Matt Terry as Alex the lion, king of the urban jungle at New York’s Central Park Zoo, as featured in the smash hit DreamWorks movie.

After a Top 3 hit with Ed Sheeran’s When Christmas Comes Around, Matt has recorded music in Miami and La, but now dived into musical theatre, as it was where he started out.

“I’m having such an amazing time touring in Madagascar the Musical, the audiences have been fantastic,” he said.

“The show brings together everything you will know and love from the Dreamworks film with an immense score and amazing sets, costumes and puppets. I trained in theatre for three years before X-Factor. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, so I’m glad I have the opportunity.”

As for the show, he said: “There’s something in it for everyone. I think that after doing this show I no longer feel nervous. It’s a huge platform. Getting into costume itself prepares you for it. I have a bid mane and a massive body suit so I feel like a lion already. Having been in the show for sometime now I feel I know Alex well – there is a bit of me in him.”

For our guide to things to do this summer holidays for families in Kent click here.

The show follows Alex and his best friends as they escape captivity - with the help of some prodigious penguins. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure and an upbeat score, you’ll want to Move It, Move It!

* Madagascar the Musical is at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, from Wednesday, July 24 to Saturday, July 28. Book tickets at marlowetheatre.com or call 01227 787787.

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