The Prince of Egypt

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The Prince of Egypt: A West End Epic

"The Prince of Egypt" premiered at London’s Dominion Theatre in the West End on February 5, 2020, with its official opening on February 25. Based on DreamWorks Animation’s 1998 film and the Book of Exodus, this musical features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Philip LaZebnik. Directed by Scott Schwartz and choreographed by Sean Cheesman, it ran for a limited 39-week engagement until October 31, 2020, though the COVID-19 pandemic halted performances from March 17, resuming July 1, 2021, and concluding January 8, 2022. With over 60 performers, its grand staging and Academy Award-winning song “When You Believe” have made it a standout, filmed in 2021 for a 2023 theatrical release.

A Biblical Odyssey on Stage

The story traces Moses, a Hebrew infant set adrift on the Nile by his mother Yocheved to escape Pharaoh’s decree against firstborn sons. Rescued by Queen Tuya, he’s raised as an Egyptian prince alongside Ramses, her son. Discovering his true heritage, Moses flees after killing an overseer, only to return guided by divine purpose to demand the Hebrews’ freedom. Ramses, now Pharaoh, resists, triggering the Ten Plagues. The climax sees Moses part the Red Sea, leading his people to liberty while Ramses’ forces perish, a tale of brotherhood torn by destiny and faith’s triumph over tyranny.

Music That Moves Mountains

Stephen Schwartz’s score blends five film favorites “Deliver Us,” “All I Ever Wanted,” “Through Heaven’s Eyes,” “The Plagues,” and “When You Believe” with ten new songs like “Footprints on the Sand” and “Always On Your Side.” Conducted by Dave Rose, with orchestrations by August Eriksmoen, the music fuses Broadway sweep with ancient echoes, earning a 2021 Grammy nomination for its cast recording. Sean Cheesman’s choreography, from swirling sands to chariot clashes, complements the sound, though critics noted the script’s occasional lag behind the film’s pacing.

A Cast of Titans

The original West End cast starred Luke Brady as Moses, Liam Tamne as Ramses, Christine Allado as Tzipporah, and Alexia Khadime as Miriam, with Joe Dixon as Seti and Debbie Kurup as Tuya. Later, Clive Rowe joined as Jethro in 2021. The ensemble of 46, plus a children’s cast, brought vitality to the production’s massive scale. Filmed in December 2021, the performance captured their chemistry Brady’s earnest Moses against Tamne’s conflicted Ramses earning praise for vocal prowess despite mixed reviews on costume design and narrative depth.

A Legacy Through Trials

From its 2015 workshop to its West End bow, "The Prince of Egypt" faced hurdles pandemic closures cut its initial run short, yet it rallied back, logging over 150 performances by 2022. Its filming by Universal Pictures Content Group, released in theaters October 2023 and digitally via BroadwayHD, extends its reach. While not matching "The Lion King’s" longevity, its spectacle Red Sea parting included evokes "Les Misérables" grandeur. As of March 2025, it remains a testament to resilience, its Dominion Theatre tenure a vibrant chapter in London’s biblical musical canon.