Since 1997, Disney's award-winning musical has taken pride of place in London. It explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects, and iconic music. Now celebrating its landmark 25th year in the West End, this acclaimed reimagining of Disney's beloved film will redefine your expectations of theatre.
Get ready for an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Pride Lands—book your tickets for Disney's The Lion King in the West End today!
The Story Of The Lion King
The Lion King follows the story of Simba, a young lion cub and heir to the throne. When his father is killed by his power-hungry brother, Simba flees to the Serengeti Plains to escape Uncle Scar and his bloodthirsty hyenas. There, he meets Timon and Pumbaa, an unlikely duo who become his best friends.
After saving Timon and Pumbaa from a hungry lioness named Nala, Simba learns that the Pride Lands have fallen into drought under Scar's reign. Spurred on by his growing love for Nala, his father's wisdom, and his newfound courage, Simba must return to his homeland to claim his rightful place as King - but will he succeed?
The Circle Of Life: From Screen To Stage And Onward…
Originally inspired by Shakespeare's Hamlet, Disney released The Lion King, the animated musical film, in 1994. The iconic Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice wrote its original songs, while Hans Zimmer composed the soaring score. The film became not only the highest-grossing release of 1994 but also the second-highest-grossing film of all time at that point, second only to Jurassic Park (1993). It garnered two Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture.
Following its tremendous success, Disney released The Lion King II: Simba's Pride in 1998, which follows Simba and Nala's daughter, Kiara, as she falls in love with Kovu - a lion raised in a pride loyal to Scar. The franchise later expanded with The Lion Guard TV series in 2015, a CGI remake directed by John Favreau in 2019, and a forthcoming sequel set for release in December 2024.
The stage musical adaptation debuted in Minneapolis, Minnesota in July 1997 before moving to Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre that October. The production became a Broadway landmark, winning six Tony Awards including Best Musical and becoming Broadway's highest-grossing production ever. In 1999, the musical opened at London's Lyceum Theatre, where it continues to run today! To celebrate the African cultural background the story is based on, there are six Indigenous African languages sung and spoken throughout the show: Swahili, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, and Congolese.
The Lion King Cast And Creatives
The current cast of The Lion King includes Thenjiwe Nofemele (The Lion King South Africa) as Rafiki, Shaun Escoffery (Parade) as Mufasa, George Asprey (Chicago) as Scar, Stephenson Ardern-Sodje (Once on This Island) as Simba, Merryl Ansah (Heathers) as Nala, Gary Jordan (Grease) as Zazu, Alan McHale (The Clockmaker’s Daughter) as Timon, Pierre Van Heerden (The Rocky Horror Show) as Pumbaa, and a phenomenal cast of young actors and actresses playing Young Simba and Nala.
The creative team includes music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, direction and costume design by Julie Taymor, choreography by Garth Fagan, scenic design by Richard Hudson, lighting design by Donald Holder, mask and puppet design by Michael Curry, and hair and makeup design by Michael Ward.
Get Your London The Lion King Tickets Today
Disney’s The Lion King features over 232 puppets, 50 actors, and 100 backstage crew. Don’t miss the spectacular musical experience now playing at the Lyceum Theatre. So ‘Be Prepared’ and get your paws on tickets today!
Age Recommendation 6 and over (Under 3's will not be admitted, all under 16's must be accompanied by an adult)
Performance Dates Until 1 Nov 2026
Performance Times Tues - Sat 7:30pm, Weds, Sat & Sun 2:30pm
Content Warning Features smoke and fog effects as well as strobe lighting
Run time 2 hrs 30 mins (incl. interval)
Venue Lyceum Theatre
