Thank You, Five: Post Show Chat with Martina Sykes

Production: The Lion King (2017)

Performer: Martina Sykes

Role: Shenzi

Can you tell me about your costume?

Oh my gosh. They are so much, especially for the hyena costume. I think it’s about 25 pounds. The padding is like being in a fat suit, but it’s fun. It’s hot, but it’s a lot of fun!

Obviously with the lights down, you can’t tell there’s a person in the costume. But what position do you have to be in to create the shape of a hyena?

We’re kind of like sitting in a squat or lunging. It may seem as though, because of the way the hood is, the mane comes down at an angle, so it makes us look hunched over, like a hyena. But we’re actually sitting or in a lunge.

Is there anything interesting that you think would be fun for audiences to know?

My journey with Lion King was a really interesting one because the first time I ever went in for Lion King, I didn’t book it. Two years later, on the exact same day, I booked it, and they told me in the room!

Wow congratulations!

Thank you!

What was it like working with such young kids?

Its amazing! The one thing that I love about children is that they’re honest, so their reactions are honest. If they’re not scared, they’re not going to act scared, they’re not going to pretend. They’re just going to look at you, so you really have to get in the game to make them engage in the way that you want them to, or in the way that the story calls for. So you have to be true to yourself, and be honest in the story so that they can be honest in return. They’re going to let you know if it’s not funny, if it’s not scary, they’re going to let you know. And they’re amazing kids! Great actors!

What is your least favorite part of this process?

I think the worst part for me is trying to go up the stairs in the costume because I get so scared! It’s really really scary because there’s nothing to hold you in. You’re like, if I fall, that’s it.

Did you, or anyone else have any mishaps?!

I tripped down the stairs on our first dress rehearsal!

Feature Photo Credit: Martina Sykes (middle) - Photo courtesy of The Lion King official Instagram page