Review: 50 strong cast shines in The Prince of Egypt

The Prince of Egypt [Photo: Owen Photography]

Review: Ilkley Musical Theatre Society, The Prince of Egypt, The Musical at King's Hall, Ilkley, 4-7 November 2026

By Geoffrey Mogridge

The Prince of Egypt is a spectacular stage musical adaptation of the iconic 1998 DreamWorks animated film. The soaring musical score and lyrics are by legendary composer Stephen Schwartz, from the book by Philip LaZebnik.

Based on the biblical book of Exodus, one of the greatest stories ever told follows the powerful journey of two young men raised as brother princes - Moses and Ramses. The pair soon find themselves irrevocably divided by a secret pact. On his father’s death, younger brother Ramses is crowned Pharaoh while the banished Moses rises to free his people, the Hebrews, from persecution at the hands of their Egyptian rulers. The gripping storyline of the journey to freedom by an oppressed people surely resonates with audiences today.

The Prince of Egypt [Photo: Owen Photography]

Ilkley Musical Theatre Society’s army of dedicated volunteers, both on and off stage, have created one of the most ambitious productions ever staged in the King’s Hall. Director, set designer, lighting designer and vocal director Mark Allan has devised a wonderfully fluid production with stunning visuals and seamless scene changes. As if all that were not more than enough, Mark sings and plays the role of Pharaoh Seti. The dance element is beautifully choreographed by Damien Poole. A staggering total of 300 costumes were sourced by Mark Allan and adjusted for members of the company by Becky Davis-Downes, assisted by the dedicated wardrobe team. The lavish stage set was built by a small group of five volunteers.                 

The Prince of Egypt [Photo: Owen Photography]

A strong cast of talented young singing actors is led by Daniel Martin as Moses. Daniel gives an extraordinary multi-layered performance, both vocally and dramatically. Sam Woodward impresses as Moses’ brother Aaron. Fen Greatley-Hirsch makes an auspicious society debut as Ramses. He has an attractive tenor voice which displays an appropriate glint of steel when he becomes Pharaoh. Ndanatsei Chinyoka makes her King’s Hall debut as an emotional but resolute Tzipporah.  Matthew Thomas delivers a standout performance as Hotep, the High Priest and Rachel McMahon is deeply moving as the widowed Queen Tuya. Maria Obirigya makes her society debut as Miriam and Sophia Rose returns for the role of Nefertari.

The Prince of Egypt [Photo: Owen Photography]

There is not a weak link in the company of over 50 performers which includes an off stage choir.

Musical director Mike Gilroy and his orchestra play the the powerful musical score with tremendous elan.

Every performance is dedicated to the memory of Gary Holmes, beloved society ‘El Presidente’ who died suddenly and unexpectedly last month.

Two more performances today (Sat) at 1.30pm & 6.30pm. Catch this magical show if you can www.ilkleymusicaltheatresociety.co.uk

Geoffrey Mogridge

[reviewed 5th November 2026]