The atmosphere definitely has been heating up at the New Wimbledon Theatre over the last few days and that was not just the temperature in the auditorium.

Madagascar the Musical once again transported Alex, Marty and the crew back to Africa and, together with the beautifully crafted sets and colourful backgrounds, not to mention the mercury rising in the theatre, the audience certainly felt they had been transported south of the Equator.

This latest offering from the popular franchise that has spawned several films and a musical six years ago, stays true to the original plot.

For those not familiar with what happens, the motley crew escape from a zoo in New York, board a ship that later capsizes and find themselves on the island off Africa where their mad-cap adventure begins.

Matt Terry, who was victorious in X-Factor 2016, is impressive in his stage debut as Alex. He has a strong stage pressence and a powerful voice. Equally brilliant is Timmika Ramsay as the sassy Gloria while Jo Parsons camps it up with with great hilarity as King Julien. His appearance after the break stole the show.

Added to the great singing and dancing, complete of course with the top trend of the moment, the floss, the ingenious use of puppetry for the penguins and other animal characters is another highlight.

Madagascar the Musical runs until Saturday, July 28, so there are only a few days left to avoid disappointment. Go to atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre/ for ticket details.