Matthew
Forbes

“Masked and camouflaged humans merge magically into puppets... The show reaffirms your faith in the power of theatre... it still takes the breath away””

The Times - THE LION KING

“The Lion King is still the mighty king of musicals...this is where the real magic lies”

THE STAGE - THE LION KING

“Matthew Forbes who perfectly encapsulates the character of the hilarious Zazu through a combination of fine acting and puppetry"

The Reviews Hub - THE LION KING

“...highly entertaining performances by Richard Hurst as Scar and Matthew Forbes as the courtier-bird Zazu"

The Scotsman - THE LION KING

“There are stand out performances across the board - none more so than Matthew Forbes as Zazu"

Fife Today - THE LION KING

“Scene-stealing turns from Thandazile Soni and Matthew Forbes as Rafiki and Zazu”

Edinburgh Guide - THE LION KING

“Fans of Zazu will be pleased to know that Matthew Forbes is suitably agile as King Mufasa's hapless Major Domo”

Edinburgh Evening News - THE LION KING

“...the puppets are so realistic and operated so well - in particular Matthew Forbes who was puppeteer for Zazu"

Broadway world scotland - THE LION KING

“Matthew Forbes' lovable Zazu brings the 1994 musical into the present day, with unexpected references from Disney's blockbuster Frozen, and mentions of Central Belt rivalry with Glasgow making audiences laugh out loud"

Edinburgh Evening news - THE LION KING

"...humour is more than well provided by Matthew Forbes as Zazu"

Southside Advertiser - THE LION KING

"Matthew Forbes as Zazu is hilarious and brilliantly brings out favourite hornbill adviser to life through superb puppetry"

Theatre Scotland - THE LION KING

"... a fantastic comedy performance from Matthew Forbes as Zazu"

SCOTTISH FIELD - THE LION KING

“Zazu (played by Matthew Forbes)... brought fantastic humour, a balance of light relief and impeccable timing”

What's Good To Do - THE LION KING

★★★★★

“A highlight and some comedy relief comes from Matthew Forbes as Zazu with his local references and a nod to Frozen”

THE FALKIRK HERALD - THE LION KING

“Hakuna Matata - what a wonderful phrase. And be assured - this show ain't no passing craze”

BROADWAY WORLD - THE LION KING

“The Lion King...still has the power and charm to delight audiences of all ages”

WHATSONSTAGE - THE LION KING

“There are moments of hilarity for people of all ages...many of which are supplied by King Mufasa's majordomo Zazu”

The Bristol Post - THE LION KING

“The puppetry is funny, charming and beautiful...from the band of three hysterical hyenas to the swooping Zazu”

WILTSHIRE TIMES - THE LION KING

“Zazu comparing the Hippodrome's curtain to a 'rug you would find in St Nick's Market'- a quip which goes down well with the crowd...simply impossible not to enjoy it”

the Bristol Post - THE LION KING

"Stand-out performances being Mufasa (Jean-Luc Guizonne) and Zazu (Matthew Forbes)...This is a genuine treat”

UK Theatre WEB - THE LION KING

“The Lion King is the must-see show of our generation. There are laughs for all ages during this production, with Zazu (Matthew Forbes) helping to provide a clear link between the different types of humour through the show... it is fun, lively, emotional and breath-taking”

Gazette Series - THE LION KING

"This production is truly amazing for all ages... Keeping the humour rolling all the way through was Matthew Forbes who had the roll of Zazu, Mufasa's confidant. He was so good the little boy next to me was laughing all the time at him”

Chew Valley Gazette - THE LION KING

“Zazu- King Mufasa's right hand hornbill - was given a few lines that worked a treat with the Bristol audience...it still feels as fresh as ever. Be prepared to be entertained”

Bristol 24/7 - THE LION KING

"Bursting with energy and using genius storytelling techniques to tell the much loved tale”

Watching from the Cheap seats - THE LION KING

“Kids dig this puppet show! It's a gorgeous and cheering sight!”

THE GUARDIAN - THE LITTLE GARDENER

“Yet the real star is Jiji the talking cat. Deftly handled by the War Horse alumnus Matthew Forbes, this is a slick, snide puppet with a sense of his own worth.”

THE TIMES - Kiki's Delivery Service

"The show is stolen by a wonderfully conceived and executed piece of puppetry, something I've seen less and less of in theatres over the last couple of years. Matthew Forbes manipulates what is little more than a head on a stick to vest Kiki's cat, Jiji, with a wide range of emotions.”

Broadway World - Kiki's Delivery Service

"But let’s be honest here, the star of the show is Jiji, the talking cat. He is played by actor and puppeteer Matthew Forbes, who brings Jiji’s personality to life both in puppet and in his own body.”

London Theatre - kiki's Delivery Service

"Matthew Forbes' hilariously disdainful Jiji, who comes pretty close to stealing the show”

What's On Stage - Kiki's Delivery Service

"Matthew Forbes stands out with consistently effervescent energy, backing up his Scarecrow’s mouthy banter with simple but effective rag-doll physicality”

The Stage - The Wizard of Oz