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18-22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 3AA

The Lion King

4.5 star rating4.5 star rating4.5 star rating4.5 star rating4.5 star rating

Closed July 2, 2022

A wonderful, wonderful musical. It will touch a deep chord in anybody

The Sunday Times

Why See The Lion King?

MusicalsFamily Shows

See the musical classic near you!

The vastly successful re-imagining of Disney's 1994 beloved film takes to the road once more. Conjuring up the African savannah in all its grand, majestic beauty, using elaborate costuming, puppetry, and soaring African melodies, discover just why The Lion King is the world's most popular musical and prepare to be transported from the grey streets to the brilliant wilds of Southern Africa in this iconic family tale. A must-see for fans of either movie.

First seen on Broadway in 1997, The Lion King began its London reign the next year at the Lyceum theatre, its UK home to this day. A multiple award-winner, it has now racked up 70 (and counting) worldwide productions and boasts audience numbers in the 100s of millions, eager to experience its legendary stagecraft.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Affectionately dubbed "Hamlet with fur", 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?

CREATING THE SHOW

The stunning sets and African-themed costuming of The Lion King is the result of extensive research into diverse cultural influences to recreate the rich colours and vast expanses of the African savanna.

A cast of 40 singers and dancers transform themselves into anthropomorphic animals from the ubiquitous lions, with handsprung manes and masks, through to elegant puppeteered cheetahs and giraffes. The music of the show takes strong influence from African music, specifically Lebo M, whilst carrying a classic quality from Elton John and Tim Rice, who wrote the original score.

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Additional Information

Dates

Opening night: 2 June 2022

Audience

The Lion King is suitable for and aimed at children aged 7 and above

Run time

Two hours and 40 minutes with a 15 minute intermission

MASKS

You may be required to wear a mask during this performance. Please contact the venue directly for more information.

Cast and Creative

Cast

Stephenson Ardern-Sodje as Simba
Aphiwe Nyezi as Simba (From September 5)
Kylie Richardson as Simba (From December 11)
Nokwanda Khuzwayo as Nala)
Alan McHale as Timon
Owain Rhys Davies as Ed
Alex Bloomer as Ed (From December 11)
Matthew Forbes as Zazu
Andre Jewson as Zazu (From September 5)
Jean-Luc Guizonne as Mufasa
Richard Hurst as Scar
Brian Gilligan as Scar (From September 5)
Rebecca Omogbehin as Shenzi
Candida Mosoma as Shenzi (From December 11)
Thandazile Soni as Rafiki
Carl Sanderson as Pumbaa
Simon Trinder as Banzai
Jorell Coiffic-Kamall as Banzai (From December 11)

With
Lwando Bam, Mamido Bomboko Souchu, Khanyisani Beato, Jorell Coiffic-Kamall, Rushand Chambers, Tau-En Chien, Elisa Chou, Tevin Daniel, Tim Driesen, Oraine Frater, Adebunmi Gabriel, Brian Gilligan, Daniel Griffith, Alicia Hayward, Zalika Henry, Caleaf Henson, Olivia Jones, Melvin Le Blanc, Jochebel Maccarthy, Zanele Mazibuko, Fallon Mondlane, Zanele Ndlovu, Buhle Nkomo, Craig Pedro, Joaquin Pedro Valdes, Connor Pele Williams, Tara Price, Kyle Richardson, Cristiane Santos De Jesus, Lukin Simmonds, Sherry Tay, Francesca Thompson, Maria Yim and Bukiwe Zinganto

Tanisha-Mae Brown, Asmara Cammock, Zodwa Mrasi, Felipe Flores, Reece McKenzie, Aphiwe Nyezi, Peace Nzirawa and Ebby Sama (from December 11). 

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

LAURENCE OLIVIER AWARDS 1999
Best Choreography (Garth Fagan)
Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor)

EVENING STANDARD AWARD 1999
Theatrical Event of the Year

IVOR NOVELLO MUSIC AWARDS 2000
International Achievement in Musical Theatre

CRITICS CIRCLE THEATRE AWARD 1999 (UK)
Best Designer (Julie Taymor & Richard Hudson)

VISIT LONDON AWARD 2006
Best Theatre/Show

VISIT LONDON AWARD 2007
Best Theatre/Show

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...

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Scarlet Fleetwood

Scarlet Fleetwood

What you thought

82 reviews, average rating: (4.2 Stars)

4.0 star rating

Anonymous: “THE LION KING”

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC more

Shakira B: “fantastic!!”

lion king is the best musical i have seen, it relates to people of all... more

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