YALLA

FOOTLOOSE AT YAS MOVIES

When: November 5 and 6

The singing and dancing phenomenon of ‘80s classic Footloose is turning into a fully immersive movie experience at Yas Movies in the Park. Kick off your Sunday shoes as Footloose comes to the capital like you’ve never seen before. Feel like you’re in the centre of the action with harmonising performers strutting their stuff in real life along with the movie. yasmip.ae

YALLA

BRILLIANT THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN NOVEMBER

PIXOUL GAMING

When: Daily

An interactive gaming destination awaits. Guests are invited to enjoy the best of virtual reality from the very get go, with a unique VR mission of saving the world of the Pixoul Metaverse. Amateurs and professionals alike can head down to Pixoul and try out a variety of VR games in a magical and immersive destination. alqana.ae

WHAT’S ON THE MENU AT THE BOLLYWOOD BRONX

When: November

To celebrate the opening of The Bollywood Bronx, What’s On is hosting a special event with 30 readers. Sample the new menu for free, with insights from the chef. Email taran.singh@motivate.ae to register your interest. @thebollywoodbronx

WORLD TRIATHLON

When: November 23 to 26

A total of 45 federations have been confirmed to compete in the World Triathlon Championship Finals and for the first time it is being hosted in the MENA region. The fourday event features experienced athletes as well as up-and-coming stars from the region. There will be three events to choose from. The super sprint, the sprint and the standard triathlon, as well as a junior’s race for children aged nine and above. abudhabi.triathlon.org

BIKE FESTIVAL

When: November 7 to 13

The inaugural Bike Festival in Abu Dhabi is set to attract more than 300 of the world’s best cyclists ready to pedal to the metal in two headline events – the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships, and the Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo. Spectators are welcome at the Event Village at Nation Towers, where you’ll find plenty of family entertainment, including BMX stunt shows, street dancers, short bicycle courses and live music. bike.abudhabi

JAZZ FEST AT YAS BAY WATERFRONT

When: November 4 to 27

Every weekend between 5pm and 11pm enjoy great food while you listen to incredible music brought to you by saxophonists, soulful singers and syncopated beats. The entertainment will be focused around two main stages, one located next to Central and another next to Lock, Stock and Barrel. @yasbayuae

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EVERYTHING ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX RELATED On the homestretch WORDS: MILES BUCKERIDGE

Abu Dhabi is no one-trick pony when it comes to sporting events. In fact, the events calendar is bursting at the seams with showcases of international competitive excellence. But few capture the imagination, and the world’s attention, in quite the same way as the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (F1).

Taking place this year between November 17 and 20, the F1 weekend encompasses so much more than just ‘cars going round a track’. There are the After-Race Concerts, the sophisticated and occasionally less sophisticated viewing parties, elite Michelinapproved dining pop-ups, and yes, very fast cars going round a track, very quickly.

RACE

You’re probably already aware, but just in case you’re the sort of fair-weather fan that’s along for the fun and picks who they cheer for on the basis of car colour, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the final race of the season. A fact that was highlighted in a never more dramatic way than with the final race of 2021, where Max Verstappen claimed victory through the jaws of controversy on the very last lap, leaving Lewis Hamilton one Driver’s Championship title away from forever glory.

This year the Abu Dhabi finale will likely be a victory lap for Verstappen who already has a titanic tally of race wins under his belt. But winners never take their foot off the pedal – Hamilton will be out for vindication, and Mercedes are still battling it out with Ferrari for second place in the team leader boards. There’s still a lot that will be decided over the long November weekend.

Fresh after some major track alterations (designed to allow greater opportunities for overtaking) in 2021, a brand-new viewing stand has been added to the circuit’s North Straight.

But if you don’t have tickets, we’re afraid it’s bad news – they sold out of the box office in record time.

MUSIC

Organised by Flash Entertainment and staged at what is now-known as Etihad Park (the artist hub formally known as du Arena) Abu Dhabi’s Yasalam After-Race Concerts are the stuff of legend. A gloriously eclectic mix of triple A talent is jetting to the capital to perform for one night only after each day’s motorsport sessions. The Yasalam ‘previously featured artist’ list reads like a Hall of Fame roster – Eminem, Beyonce, The Kings of Leon, Jay-Z, Aerosmith, Linkin Park, Prince, Britney Spears, Blur, Rihanna, Paul McCartney, Muse, Post Malone, Lewis Capaldi, The Weeknd and Stormzy, to name a few.

And the only way to see them play is to hold track tickets for whichever day the artist is performing. You cannot purchase concert tickets separately.

The proceedings kick off on Thursday November 17 with UK rapper Dave, followed by EDM maestros, Swedish House Mafia, headlining the show on Friday November 18. Next up, member of the rap aristocracy, Kendrick Lamar will be taking his brooding philosophical bars to the stage on Saturday November 19. While on Sunday November 20, closing the final day of the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix will be British rock veterans, Def Leppard. Once again, Flash Entertaiment have delivered an eclectic mix of genres, sure to keep all race-fans happy in what is shaping up to be an epic Formula 1 weekend.

Swedish House Mafia

Def Leppard

Performing on Sunday November 20 are British rock band Def Leppard. Big on hairspray and bubble gum metal, the band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and are official Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. The honour of the Yasalam Sunday spot is usually bestowed upon an act offering a big back catalogue of sing-along anthems – and the Sheffieldian quartet are no exception. There’s Pour Some Sugar on Me, Bringin’ on the Heartbreak, Animal, Hysteria and about another five decades of guitar jamming dad rock awesomeness to prepare for on the final night of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Dave

UK rap sensation Dave (AKA Santan) will be taking the stage on Thursday November 17. You may be aware of the life and works of Dave via his rhythmically slick AJ Tracey collaboration on the track Thiago Silva, his monster hit Location (which also features Burna Boy) or more recently the UK chart number one banger, Starlight. Fun fact, our talented friend Dave also played the character Morris ‘Modie’ Gregor in the outstanding British drama, Top Boy.

Swedish House Mafia

This EDM supergroup consisting of Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso are the creators of monster base-line bangers such as Don’t You Worry Child, Save The World, Moth to a Flame, RedLight and Sacrifice. You’ll be able to reach for the lasers at their post-lap rave-up on Friday November 18, after a fierce day of qualifying. We’re particularly looking forward to waving glow-sticks, slightly offrhythm to the track Antidote, originally created in collaboration with Knife Party. It’s the perfect way to keep that 200mph adrenaline pumping off-track. The dance music collective took a few years off from topping the charts, but just like the actual Mafia, once you’re in you can never leave. Recent team-ups and ‘vs’ tracks have seen them working with The Weeknd, and their hotly anticipated album Paradise Again dropped in April this year.

Kendrick Lamar

American megastar Kendrick Lamar will headline the Yasalam After-Race Concert on Saturday November 19. In the decade since the release of his debut album good kid, m.A.A.d city, Kendrick Lamar has achieved massive international success as a multi-Platinum selling artist and producer, and has also co-founded creative imprint, pgLang. His impressive collection of accolades include an incredible 14 Grammy wins and a Pulitzer Prize, of which he became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win the award for his 2017 album, DAMN. He dropped his fifth studio album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers in May 2022 to critical acclaim.

DINING

Every year to go along with the many established permanent culinary seats in the capital, the F1 brings a host of internationally renowned, award-winning restaurant pop-ups. For foodies, even race fan ones, the on-plate theatre on offer can be equally, if not more, exhilarating than that on-track. And this year will be no different. Already confirmed as the Grand Prix’s gastronomic companions are…

Cé La Vi

Located on the 54th floor of Address Sky View Hotel, this Michelin Guide restaurant isn’t just breaking Instagram because of its Burj Khalifa views, the menu of international fine dining classics delivers outstanding taste experiences. You’ll find the F1 temporary location, rather fittingly, on the Yas Marina Circuit rooftop at Luna Lounge.

Gohan

This super trendy speakeasy found inside La Cantine du Faubourg, offers Japanese-inspired street-food and feels like the perfect pick for gourmet Grand Prix grazing. Expect little nuggets of nigiri overtaking gyoza on the home straight, high octane bowls of ramen FTW and tasty meaty skewers for pre-podium treats. Gohan’s new limited time pop-up will be found within the North Grandstand.

Opa

Also slotting very nicely into the Deck at Nine dining ensemble is Opa – one of Dubai’s most popular Greek tavernas, offering intensely creative Ionian flavours, plate-smashing (whether that will be going on here is unlikely but still TBC) theatrics and white-walled, botanically abundant summer holiday vibes.

Ninive

Available to explore within the existing Shams Suite venue, Ninive is a veritable celebration of Middle Eastern cuisine, a rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar offering epic grilled fare, mezze, merguez couscous (thank us later), skewers and salads. We couldn’t think of a better ambassador to give the Abu Dhabi F1 culinary ensemble, an authentic local edge.

PARTIES

Everything about the F1 is extra – there are the outfits (in the stands as much as the pit lane), the seemingly physics-defying cars, aerial acrobatic jets and commercial aircraft painting the sky in the national colours as part of a patriotic flyover, fireworks displays, celebrity attendance and all of the ‘gram-triggering carry on we’ve already talked about. One genre we’ve deliberately left until last though, is the city’s stellar clutch of viewing parties.

You’ll find some of the finest examples trackside at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. During race weekend, the hotel transforms into a nonstop F1-esta zone, with every available venue and viewing deck space given over to brunches, drunches and rave-ups all within ear-roaring proximity to the iconic Yas Marina circuit — often with unmatched views of the action. On Saturday November 19, look out for worldrenowned house music DJ, Roger Sanchez in the W Lounge. Over at W’s restaurant Rush, foodies can expect a Buddha Bar pop-up, complete with the hotspot’s resident DJs and a ‘Seventh Heaven’ brunch, priced from Dhs1,400.

Tinie

But for something a little different, and dare little different, and dare we say ‘extra’, Xclusive we say ‘extra’, Xclusive Yachts is offering an Yachts is offering an armada of alternative armada of alternative race-celebrating boat race-celebrating boat parties, with jaw-dropping parties, with jaw-dropping musical acts on (the) musical acts on (the) deck(s). Their Friday event deck(s). Their Friday event includes a includes a Rudimental DJ set, backed by a DJ set performance from performance from Marvin ‘JLS’ Humes. On Saturday ‘JLS’ Humes one of UK hip-hop’s most one of UK hip-hop’s most successful, and artful successful, and artful lyricists Tinie lyricists (formally Tinie Tempah) leads Tinie Tempah) leads proceedings followed by, proceedings followed by, with a little bit of luck, with a little bit of luck, garage double act DJ Luck garage double act & MC Neat & MC Neat lighting up the skank floor. On Sunday it’s

Nathan ‘Lighter’ Dawe

who’s sun-soaked beats make him the perfect choice to skipper your sound experience. He’ll be joined by one of British rap’s current brightest lights Yungen. It’s all being tied together by hosts Patrick Nazemi and Rick Live. For prices and to book, you’ll need to call (0)55 729 0415.

STAY TUNED TO WHATSON.AE FOR FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS AS WE GET THEM.

Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. November 17 to 20. yasmarinacircuit.com

WORDS: LAURA COUGHLIN

The Lion King has broken box office records as the fastest selling musical in Abu Dhabi’s history. Here’s why you should book tickets while you still can…

An inspirational score, breathtaking costumes and an iconic story: The Lion King musical, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, has made its mark on the world. The tale is familiar for most: a young lion named Simba, an animal kingdom, and a wicked uncle trying to usurp the throne.

Most came to know this story from the cartoon feature film released by Disney in 1994, but its popularity skyrocketed after a musical adaptation was introduced to Broadway. But how did The Lion King stage show come to be? A risk-taking director, a speedy premiere outside of Broadway and unique theatrical story telling all played a part in creating one of the most popular musicals of all time.

In the search for a musical adaptation for The Lion King, Disney tapped Julie Taymor – at the time 44 years-old – who was known for her experimental puppetry and risk-taking theatre productions. She hadn’t even seen the movie and wasn’t sure if she would want to take the job because she didn’t believe Disney and her aesthetic could match. After an initial viewing of The Lion King, she saw many elements that are timeless in storytelling: a young man outcast from his home, royalty seething for power, tales of romance and innocence.

Taymor began workshopping the musical in August 1996 and later premiered it for the top Disney executives. All the biggest risks were taken, including changing Rafiki to a female character because Taymor believed there was a lack of a strong female lead in the story. With brilliant details, musical vitality and relentless energy, this musical theatre adaptation of a Disney classic took the stage soaring, and in July of 1997, the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota debuted The Lion King, The Musical.

At the time of its first public premiere, Taymor expressed that she expected to see many audience members show up to see if she had sold out to the powerhouse that is Disney – curious if she would create a musical much like a theme park attraction. On the contrary, Taymor was picked for her reputation of taking risky decisions; she was urged to do the unexpected. In the end, Taymor succeeded in meeting her goal: “catch the essence of the movie but not do the movie”.

THE LION KING BY NUMBERS

200

The number of puppets – rod puppets, shadow puppets, and full-sized puppets – used throughout the performance to recreate the animals on stage

5.5 METRES

The height of the giant giraffes where actors, trained in stilt-walking, climb ladders to fit inside

6

Indigenous African languages spoken on stage: Swahili, Zulu, Sotho, Tswana, Congolese, and the click language Xhosa. Fun fact: ‘hakuna matata’ means ‘no worries’ in Swahili

70

The number of major international theatre awards won, including six 1998 Tony Awards

25

Animals, birds, fish, and insects represented throughout the show, including 39 hyenas and a whopping 52 wildebeest November 13, 1997, marked the opening for The Lion King’s Broadway debut, to which it was met with rave reviews across the Big Apple, including the New York Times, who described it as “irresistible, refreshing, sophisticated, nothing else like it.”

With notable success and six Tony awards, the musical went international. In London’s West End, the Lyceam Theatre welcomed The Lion King on October 19, 1999, and 23 years later continues to wow audiences young and old.

Today, The Lion King has been seen by over 110 million people worldwide in over 100 cities across 21 countries, and now you can be one of them. In a first for the region, The Lion King roars into Abu Dhabi for an historical four-week run in the UAE capital from November 16 to December 10 at Yas Island’s Etihad Arena. Don’t miss out.

Having played the role of Simba on Broadway, as well as in the West End, Las Vegas, and North American tour, Dashaun Young chats to What’s On about his unconditional love for the show

You’ve played the role of Simba since 2007. Do you remember how you felt when you first landed the role?

I felt extremely overwhelmed, proud, and ridiculously nervous to take on such an iconic beast of a role.

Can you still feel the love for the role so many years on?

Absolutely! Never have I done a show that has challenged me to push myself so much as an artist. The physicality of the role alone is so much more than any typical musical theatre part. I consistently have to figure out how to keep my body, voice and mind in tip-top shape to perform this character on a nightly basis. However, I love a challenge. Growing into this role has been a fun education in adapting.

Have you felt like you’ve changed the way you’ve played him or understood him as you’ve become older?

I believe my performance in this role has matured. I’ve finetuned my delivery to create a much more well-rounded and truthful portrayal of Simba. When I first played the role, I had never experienced true love or the loss of someone I was close to. I tried to tap into my understanding of those themes, hoping those emotions would be conveyed to the audience. Now I truly understand what life can feel like and it’s brought me to a more truthful interpretation of Simba on stage.

What do you think it is that audiences like the most about The Lion King Musical?

I believe audiences simply enjoy the entire show – it’s truly a one-of-a-kind spectacle.

How do you hope Abu Dhabi audiences will react?

I’m hoping the show generates lots of excitement during the Abu Dhabi season. The story is so beloved for audiences and the musical has never visited the region before. I believe audiences will be overcome with emotion, much like all the other engagements we’ve played on this tour.

Do you have a favourite scene from The Lion King Musical that still impresses you?

Circle of Life is still to this day my absolute favourite part. There is a moment when Rafiki finishes calling to everyone that the future king has been born. Once the lights come up and reveal the procession walking towards Pride Rock, you see animal puppets for the first time. You regularly hear audience members gasp, applaud, or rise to their feet in admiration. It’s absolutely magical.

This is a huge moment for theatre in Abu Dhabi. What would you say to encourage people to see it?

You simply cannot miss it. It’s one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have. The cast of the International Tour are so excited to get back together for the Abu Dhabi season and I truly feel it’s going to be a very special moment for us.

November 16 to December 10

The Lion King – The Musical, Etihad Arena. Matinee and evening shows available. Tickets start at Dhs200 (weekdays) and Dhs250 (weekends). abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net

In what is shaping up to be a huge month of live events, huge month of live events, Amplified Music Festival Amplified Music Festival will be coming to will be coming to Abu Dhabi on November Abu Dhabi on November 11 and 12. Taking place 11 and 12. Taking place at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, headliners for the event headliners for the event include OneRepublic and include OneRepublic and Cigarettes After S**. Cigarettes After S**.

Live Nation sits on a Live Nation sits on a throne of world class fiesta throne of world class fiesta credibility, a brand whose credibility, a brand whose work includes such prestigious work includes such prestigious global festival phenomena as global festival phenomena as Lollapalooza and the Electric Lollapalooza and the Electric Daisy Carnival. They’re also the team responsible for team responsible for bringing Sting to Abu bringing Sting to Abu Dhabi in January 2023. Dhabi in January 2023.

NOVEMBER 11

Built on a platform of poetic lyrics, musical craftmanship, catchy hooks, mastery over instruments, faultless vocals and a back catalogue of unequivocally anthemic sing-along bangers and rockstar outfits, OneRepublic makes the perfect candidate to headline a music festival. We can’t wait to hear their gargantuan hits Apologize, If I Lose Myself, Counting Stars, and I Ain’t Worried pumping out of the ‘wall of sound’-style speakers.

The band formed in 2002, but it wasn’t until 2007 when Timbaland remixed Apologize that the six-piece really took off. Stop and Stare came next and acheived equally meteoric success, sending OneRepublic’s debut album Dreaming Out Loud platinum. Lead singer and the band’s main songwriter, Ryan Tedder, previously described the band’s genre and influences as being widely varied. “We’re no respecter of genre. If it’s a good song or a good artist whether rock, pop, indie or hip hop, they’ve probably influenced us on some level... nothing’s new under the sun, we’re a sum of a bunch of parts,” Tedder told PureVolume.

NOVEMBER 12

Fresh from their instant sell-out, two-night stint at Dubai’s Hard Rock Cafe, bubblegum-emo, indie pop-rock three-piece Cigarettes After S** will be bringing down the curtains on Abu Dhabi’s first Amplified Music Festival – in the most ambient soulful way. Their debut single Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby, was picked up by cult series The Handmaid’s Tale, while their top listened-to track, Apocalypse, has enjoyed half a billion streams.

TICKETS

Single Day General Admission tickets for each day are priced from Dhs149, and Golden Circle from Dhs249.

Yas Links Abu Dhabi, November 11 and 12, tickets from Dhs149. livenation.me

EAT | DRINK | SHOP

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