Why See Lion King?
See it now. remember it forever...
This immensely successful reimagining of Disney's 1994 animation continues to captivate audiences over two decades after its opening at the Lyceum Theatre. It conjures up the African savannah in all its grand, majestic beauty, employing elaborate costuming, breathtaking puppetry, and soaring African melodies to transport audiences from the grey streets of London to pure theatrical bliss. Be prepared for a night to remember!
Prepare to be astonished as a cast of 40 singers and dancers transform themselves into the savannah's animals, from fierce lions to more elegant cheetahs and antelopes, as Elton John and Tim Rice's Lebo M-inspired score fills the theatre, entrancing audiences of all ages from the first note. Don't just take our word for it - The Lion King is now officially the most successful musical of all time, making over $1 Billion at the box office - and counting!
What is the story?
As in the 1994 film, we follow the trials of a young lion prince called Simba, who one day is destined to rule over the sun-drenched Pride Lands, as the Lion King. After the murder of his father by his treacherous uncle, Scar, Simba is convinced of his own guilt in this, and runs away from his pride, in self-imposed exile.
Rescued by an unlikely pair of friends; Timon the meerkat, and Pumbaa the flatulent warthog, both themselves exiles, Simba grows up to enjoy life, whilst not quite escaping the trauma of his past. When Scar's rule threatens the future of the Pride Lands, will Simba finally accept his responsibilities of adulthood to return and stake his claim to the throne and restore harmony?
Additional Information
Dates
Previews from: 24 September 1999
Opening night: 29 July 2021
Audience
The Lion King is suitable for and aimed at children aged 7 and above. Children younger can be admitted but must occupy, and pay for a seat, but should they become restless, and/or cause a disturbance, they will be asked to leave and there is no refund. Children under 3 are NOT permitted at all. Customers should also be aware that strobe lighting is used several times during the performance.
Children aged three years and older are admitted providing they can sit in their seats and not to be a distraction for other members of the audience. Everyone must have a valid ticket. Accompanying adults will be asked to remove any noisy children.
Run time
2 hours and 40 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.
Cast and Creative
Cast
Owen Chaponda as Simba
George Asprey as Scar
Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa
Merryl Ansah as Nala
Thenjiwe Thendiva Nofemele as Rafiki
Gary Jordan as Zazu
Jamie McGregor as Timon
Mark Roper as Pumbaa
Rhiane Drummond as Shenzi
Mark Tatham as Ed
Jorell Coiffic-Kamall as Banzai
Emrys Zeph Adamah and Rio Odame Danquah as Young Simba
Divine Cole, Amber Koduah-Hutchison and Ocean Monilat as Young Nala
With
Nikki Cheung, Donna Clovis, Kat Collins, Azola Dlamini, Darius Drooh, Lwando Dutyulwa, Kuan Frye, Sandile Gontsana, Bongunkosi Jay Hlatshwayo, Candice Holdford, Garry Lake, Tramaine Lamy, Tomas Larraguviel, Jane Carla Leynes, Francisco, Stephanie Tsz Maan Lo, Peace Nzirawa, Sethabile Nzuza, Kyle Richardson, Robson Santos De Jesus, Luciano Santos Souza, Dillan Hope, Gesztenye Taiwo and Barnaby Thompson
Creative
Music by Elton John
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Book by Roger Allers & Irene Mecchi
Costume Design by Julie Taymor
Directed by Julie Taymor
Choreographed by Garth Fagan
Scenic Design by Richard Hudson
Lighting Design by Donald Holder
Awards
VISIT LONDON AWARD 2007
Best Theatre/Show
VISIT LONDON AWARD 2006
Best Theatre/Show
IVOR NOVELLO MUSIC AWARDS 2000
International Achievement in Musical Theatre
LAURENCE OLIVIER AWARDS 1999
Best New Musical - nominated
Best Actor in a Musical (Rob Edwards) - nominated
Best Actress in a Musical (Josette Bushell-Mingo) - nominated
Best Director (Julie Taymor) - nominated
Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) - winner
Best Set Design (Richard Hudson) - nomination
Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor) - winner
Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder) - nominated
EVENING STANDARD AWARD 1999
Theatrical Event of the Year
CRITICS CIRCLE THEATRE AWARD 1999 (UK)
Best Designer (Julie Taymor & Richard Hudson)
What we thought
epic Wonderful MAGICAL
Bringing such an epic landscape to life on the stage is quite a feat of creative skill that has yet to be matched anywhere else on stage.
Bringing such an epic landscape to life on the stage is quite a feat of creative skill that has yet to be matched anywhere else on stage...
Read full review
Scarlet Fleetwood
What you thought
82 reviews, average rating: (4.2 Stars)
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC more
lion king is the best musical i have seen, it relates to people of all... more
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