Since the UK premiere in London on Tuesday 19th October 1999, the show has welcomed over 11 million guests and remains the West End’s best-selling stage production. Tickets are currently on sale until 20 July 2014.
Winning over 70 theatre awards world-wide, this captivating stage production follows the adventures of the young lion cub Simba, as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role of King.
Julie Taymor’s internationally celebrated stage adaptation of Disney’s beloved 1994 animated film was first seen on Broadway in 1997 and has now been seen by seen by over 70 million people across 6 continents. In addition to the record-breaking productions in London and New York, The Lion King can currently be seen in Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, Brazil and on tours of the UK, US and Japan.
A new production also began a tour of the United Kingdom in September 2012.
Julie Taymor, one of the world’s most innovative directors, brought a vast array of disciplines to The Lion King, including extensive experience staging epic theatre and opera productions, exploring classic myths through ritualised puppetry, mask, and movement. The Lion King was the first musical she directed in the commercial theatre, and Taymor made Broadway history by becoming the first woman to win the Tony Award® for ’Best Director of a Musical’.
Julie Taymor and Michael Curry created hundreds of masks and puppets. Scenic design is by leading British designer Richard Hudson and lighting is by Donald Holder. Costume design is by Julie Taymor, and choreography by Garth Fagan.
The book was adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay of The Lion King.
The original score from the animated film was expanded for the stage and now features 15 musical numbers.
As well as writing completely new songs, South African composer Lebo M created an evocative blend of African rhythms and chorales, with additional material by Julie Taymor and Mark Mancina. Elton John and Tim Rice have added three new numbers to the five that they wrote for the award-winning score of the animated film. The resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, including the Academy Award®-winning Can You Feel The Love Tonight and the haunting Shadowland.
The Lion King is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.