Chatswood Is Hosting a Screening of 'The Lion King' with a Live Orchestra — Here's How to Make a Day of It
We've planned out an ideal day for all Disney fans, movie buffs and families looking for a day out in Chatswood.
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Don't let the Sydney CBD residents fool you. There are plenty of reasons to head north of the bridge. This autumn, a top entry in that list is a live orchestra performance of The Lion King at the Chatswood Concourse on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6. Don't just head there and back solely for the show, though, Chatswood is more than worth spending some time in for a pre (or post) show adventure.
As the main attraction in early April, The Lion King will be projected onto the big screen at The Concourse Concert Hall with the score performed live by the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra. With two shows, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and 4pm respectively, we recommend making a day of it and enjoying the lively suburb before or after the show. But what else is worth your time?
Explore the Chatswood Mall Markets
For a full half day between 10am to 10pm every Thursday to Saturday, the busy thoroughfare of Chatswood Mall transforms into a vibrant outdoor market. The buzzing arcade hosts food stalls from a wide range of cuisines, from Turkish to Indian. You will also find local produce and plenty of shopping — perfect for families heading to the Saturday showing of The Lion King.
Enjoy a Pre-Show Meal
There's nothing worse than going to a show hungry and sitting with a grumbling stomach through a performance. So, a pre-performance meal is a must. Luckily, Chatswood has heaps of options. If brunch fare is what you and the family are craving, we recommend making a beeline for the Chatswood outpost of Shuk.
Chatswood is a thriving hub for Asian food, with authentic offerings in cuisines including but not limited to Malaysian, Taiwanese, Thai, Japanese, Chinese and much more. It would be impossible to cover all the excellent offerings, but these family-friendly spots are a great place to start. For Malaysian flavours, try Amah by Ho Jiak. Haidilao is a Chinese favourite for hotpot and gives you plenty of options to customise your feed, while Choji Yakiniku is a local favourite for a family-friendly Japanese barbecue experience.
Take any Kiddos for a Play
If your little ones struggle to sit through an entire performance, perhaps some energetic activity beforehand is a good option. Just a short drive away from Chatswood Concourse is Planet Mino. This indoor kids' playground and cafe has a giant ball pit, rope tower, slides and various themed play areas, including a mechanic's workshop and hospital. Or, if you prefer a playground that's a bit closer and outdoors, head to the shady Beauchamp Park.
Watch Disney's 'The Lion King' in Concert
Now for the main event. Join Simba, Nala and friends on an epic adventure across the savanna in a symphonic performance of the Disney classic. Since this is a live performance of all the beloved songs from the iconic film, you'll get to hear live renditions of the score and favourite tunes like "Circle of Life", "Hakuna Matata" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight".
Indulge in a Post-Show Treat
Once the show is over and the pre-show meal is all but a distant memory, why not spoil the kids with something sweet? And frozen yoghurt is the perfect choice. It's healthy(ish), and the kids can get creative with flavours and toppings. Chatswood has numerous options, from Freo to Minus Seven and Yogurberry. Or, for something even sweeter, head to Gram for fluffy souffle pancakes.
For more information or to get your tickets today, visit the website.
Images: Supplied.
