Experience The Wonder of Disney’s Musical “The Lion King”
As one of the longest running and most renown musicals in the world, The Lion King has thrilled audiences with its vibrant colours, stunning dances, resounding music, and incredible costumes.
This long-running theatre production opened back up at the end of July 2021 after closing due to social distancing regulations. If you haven’t seen the show, including some of its most recent changes, now is the right time to book your tickets.
There are many different adaptations of Disney’s musical, The Lion King, but none have made as much of an impact as London’s current West End theatre production. This heart wrenching and moving film has been brilliantly reimagined for the stage at Lyceum Theatre in London by acclaimed director Julie Taymor.
Disney’s internationally celebrated classic has been brought to life in a theatrical event like no other, making it a must-see for music and theatre lovers, couples, families, and anyone who is ready to experience a one-in-a-lifetime show.
The Lion King Cast
The Lion King is a powerful and moving tale of the lion cub Simba and his journey to become King of the Pridelands, told through stunning visual effects, enchanting music, and bold costumes. While the story has enthralled millions of viewers, what sets this production apart is its fresh cast.
Simba is played by Kayi Ushe with George Asprey taking on the role of antagonist Scar, Janique Charles as Nala, Gugwana Dlamini as Rafiki, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, Gary Jordan as Zazu, Jamie McGregor as Timon, Melone M’Kenzy as Shenzi, Mark Roper as Pumbaa, David Blake as Banzai, and Phil Adèle as Ed.
In addition to adult actors, young Simba and young Nala are played by young stars Khylan St Paul Mark, Emrys Zeph Adamah, Theo Querico, Sam Stephens, Isabelle Dawodu, Mia-Nicole Alexander, Ava Rae Douglas, and Divine Cole.
They’re joined by a talented ensemble of actors, singers, and performers, including Barnaby Thompson, Shannon Taiwo, Luciano Santos Souza, Kristof Skhosana, Mlungisi Shabalala, Poseletso Sejosingoe-Mandela, Nosipho Nkonqa, Keitumetse Molea, Mkhize Phumlane Jones, Sadia McEwen, Nonhlanhla Makhathini, Stephanie Lo, Francisco Lins, Lamoi Leon, Tramaine Lamy, Garry Lake, Du-Wayne Hinds, Sandile Gontsana, Kevin Fullinck, Kuan Frye, Azola Dlamini, Donna Clovis, Gabriel Brasilio, Thanduxolo Booi, and Etian A Almeida.
The Lion King Set Design
While most theatre productions are known for stunning set designs, The Lion King is in a league of its own when it comes to creating an authentic atmosphere for performance on stage. Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, the set pieces used in this West End musical production are as bright, colourful, and elaborate as what you would expect to see in nature itself – if not more so. Vibrant colours, patterns, nature backdrops, and detailed puppets and costumes make the stage feel like the Serengeti in motion.
With lighting, shadows, and a large backdrop, the set is formed by a combination of practical effects and the actors themselves in animal or natural costume, along with a few large set pieces such as Pride Rock, the bone graveyard, the pool of water that Simba sees himself in, and more.
The Lion King Costumes
The Lion King’s director, costume designer, and mask-co director, Julie Taymor has won Tony awards for the show’s costume designs and direction – illustrating the impact of using a mix of masks, costumes, and puppetry to create theatrical magic. The Lion King at West End’s Lyceum Theatre has over 350 costumes and 232 puppets–the smallest being a mouse that Scar eats and the largest being a majestic elephant.
Blurring the line between costume design and puppetry, Julie Taymor’s create a “double effect” in which audiences can see both the actor and puppet at the same time. Rather than an actor wearing a costume, the actor’s body is used alongside an elaborate puppet to create two focus areas for the audience. The puppet art and engineering are fully on display, including textile patterns, earthy and bright colours, and the poles and wires allowing the actor and puppet to move as one piece.
In fact, many actors and ensemble members change costumes throughout their performances, with one actor reportedly completing around eight costume changes. The costumes include elaborately pained lion-head masks, grass skirts, face paint, corsets, and individually sewn beads on costumes. Each piece is painstakingly created to ensure the same level of detail and perfection for each performance in each show in cities across the globe. See the astounding costumes, set, music and more for yourself by booking The Lion King tickets now.
The Lion King Music
Experience the wonder of Disney’s The Lion King through some of the most iconic and resounding music and choreography of any musical to date. The West End production features classic songs from The Lion King animated film from Elton John and Tim Rice, along with three new songs from John and Rice.
Additionally, the performance includes music by Hans Zimmer, Julie Taymor, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and South African Lebo M. “Rhythm of the Pride Lands”, which is an album inspired by the original music in the film was written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, and Hans Zimmer, also makes its way to the stage.
The Lion King’s sound is a resulting fusion of the distinctive rhythms and sounds of Africa and Western popular music. Popular songs include, “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to be King,” “Hakuna Matata,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “Shadowland,” among others.
A Family-Friendly Show
Bring the entire family to follow Simba’s epic adventure and marvel at the rich colours and intricate set designs that make this musical one of the most loved and top grossing shows in London’s West End. In addition to being one of Disney’s most loved films, The Lion King is a theatre production fit for the whole family (for children ages 3 and up) to attend.
The acclaimed reimagining of Disney’s beloved film is now in its 23rd year at London’s Lyceum Theatre. With over two decades of critical and audience acclaim, the London West End show is a must-see for musical-lovers, Disney fans, families, children, couples, and everyone else.
Bring the whole family to watch Simba transform from a small lion cub to the king of the Pridelands as he navigates what it means to be King, including standing up for what is right and celebrating his family, friends, and upbringing.
Get The Lion King Show Tickets
Experience the wonder of Disney’s The Lion King on stage at Lyceum Theater in London’s West End. Purchase your tickets for The Lion King at Ticket Here. If you only watch one show this summer (though we encourage you to see as many as you can), watch The Lion King.
Viewing this show will allow you to experience Simba’s journey for yourself and immerses viewers in a performance rich in the cultural heritages of Kenya, Tanzania, and other African countries and tribes that The Lion King takes so much inspiration from.