HAKUNA Matata means "no worries, for the rest of your days".

That's certainly the overwhelming feeling, walking out of the theatre following a performance of Disney's The Lion King.

It's common with musicals to save the best for last, but this is Disney after all, and the spectacle begins, well, at the very beginning. As the blood orange sun rises we're transported to the majesty of the Serengeti Plains.

Rafiki's now iconic African cries mark the start of the opening number, sending a shiver of anticipation down my spine and a sense of wonderment is abuzz as animals parade proudly through the audience.

The Lion King is an immersive experience throughout, with brightly coloured birds flying above our heads, hyenas furtively roaming the aisles and the evocative rhythms of African drumbeats all around, as Disney invites us to share in the magic of this uniquely memorable production.

Reimagined for the stage by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, the show follows the powerful story of Simba and his epic adventure to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.

Dark at times, with some poignant similarities to this week's sombre news, the tale is kept lighthearted by everyone's favourite duo, Timon and Pumbaa – played superbly by Alan McHale and Carl Sanderson respectively – the wisdom and joviality of Rafiki, aka Nosipho Nkonqa, and the brilliant brightness of Zazu, energetically portrayed by Matthew Forbes.

Jean-Luc Guizonne was suitably masterful, with the King of the Jungle's movements on point as Mufasa, while Richard Hurst made for a wonderfully sneering, sneaky Scar. Josiah Araba-Coker and Serenna Hunte looked right at home on stage with such talented performers, and didn't put a paw wrong as the young Simba and Nala, while Stephenson Ardern-Sodje and Nokwanda Khuzwayo made for a perfect pairing as their adult counterparts.

Packed with memorable musical numbers, including Can You Feel The Love Tonight, Circle of Life, the moving He Lives In You and, of course, Hakuna Matata, Disney's The Lion King is utterly magical from start to finish. You'll remember it forever.

Disney's The Lion King is at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton until October 15.