Are you planning a trip to London’s West End to see The Lion King musical?
Here’s everything you need to know about the show before you book.
Everything you need to know about The Lion King
What is The Lion King about?
The Lion King features everyone’s favourite characters from the 1994 Disney film, including Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Scar, Timon, Pumba, Rafiki and even Zazu, with music by Elton John, Tim Rice and Lebo M.
It follows the young lion Simba who, following the death of his father Mufasa, starts a new life away from his home in the Pridelands, until he realises he must return home to claim his crown from his uncle, the evil Scar.
Did you know the plot was inspired by William Shakespeare’s Hamlet?
Where is The Lion King playing?
The Lion King plays at the Lyceum Theatre, right in the heart of London’s West End. It has played in the theatre since 1999.
How long is The Lion King?
The Lion King is 2 hours and 30 minutes including a 15-minute interval.
Who stars in The Lion King?
The current cast includes Owen Chaponda as Simba, Merryl Ansah as Nala, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, and George Asprey as Scar, in a cast of over sixty people.
What days does The Lion King play?
The Lion King knows its audience. The show offers three matinees on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays – perfect if you want to take your children to the show. Evening performances take place from Tuesday to Saturday.
Performances days often change around bank holidays and the festive seasons, so always check the show’s booking page for the latest updates.
Will I know any of the songs in The Lion King?
Who doesn’t know the Circle of Life and Can You Feel the Love Tonight? Or Hakuna Matata and I Just Can’t Wait to Be King? Yes, we think you’ll know the songs.
How long has The Lion King been playing?
The West End production of The Lion King opened at the Lyceum Theatre on 19 October 1999, two years after the show’s Broadway opening. By late 2024, it had made almost 10,000 performances, making it the 5th longest currently-running show in the West End and the 7th longest-running show of all time.
What did critics think of The Lion King?
The Guardian’s chief theatre critic Michael Billington reviewed The Lion King’s opening in 1999, describing it as “impressive” and praising the scenery and puppetry. “Children, I suspect, will love it,” even if he wasn’t totally won over – awarding it three stars.