Your complete guide to The Lion King on West End

What is The Lion King on West End about?

Based on the hit animated film of the same name from 1994, this musical adaptation brings the Savannah to the stage in all its glory. With stunning stage and costume designs as the backdrop and orchestrations that soar, this story follows a young lion cub Simba in a coming-of-age story that is rooted in the importance of family, friends, and community.

How long has The Lion King been in London?

The show opened on Broadway before premiering at the Lyceum Theatre in 1999, making it one of the longest-running shows on West End. It is set to play in London through October 26, 2025.

Stats & facts

• 27+ years since the original production played at Broadway’s Orpheum Theatre before its premiere at London's Lyceum Theatre
• 24 awards including 5 Tony Awards in 1998
• 20 songs from Elton John, Hans Zimmer, Lebo M, and more

Shakespeare in the Savannah: The history behind The Lion King

Is The Lion King musical the same as the animated movie?

While the two versions are very similar, the musical makes a few key changes. The first major change is the gender of Rafiki, a guiding voice throughout the story, to female. This was due to the original story not featuring prominent leading female characters. Nala also gets a more substantial role, with additional scenes and a new song, one of several new ones added to the stage adaptation's song list. The narrative is also fleshed out with scenes delving in character arcs and motivations and the production has intricate and often difficult dance routines that elevate the songs to greater heights.

Who were the original musical cast members?

The original West End cast featured:

• Roger Wright as Simba
• Paulette Ivory as Nala
• Rob Edwards as Scar
• Josette Bushell-Mingo as Rafiki
• Cornell John as Mufasa
• Simon Gregor as Timon
• Martyn Ellis as Pumbaa
• Gregory Gudgeon as Zazu
• Stephanie Charles as Shenzi
• Paul J. Medford as Banzai
• Christopher Holt as Ed
• Dawn Michael as Sarabi

The ensemble includes various other African animals, Scar's hyenas, plants, and more.

Why is The Lion King so popular?

The original Lion King, the record holder for the highest box office revenue from a traditionally animated film, is as beloved for its story as it is for its music. Often cited as a retelling of Shakespeare's Hamlet, the film's powerful narrative and strong central characters left a lasting impression. All these elements are adapted beautifully for the musical, which adds luscious orchestrations and jaw-dropping stage design into the mix. The colorful scenery and advanced puppetry take animated characters and bring them to life. The Lion King's popularity, put simply, is because this is a spectacle one must see to believe.

Top songs

The Lion King boasts one of the best soundtracks of any film or musical, ever. However, a few tracks feel like a spiritual experience when experienced live.

1. “Circle of Life” - The opening number draws us into the Savannah, setting the scene for the rest of the show. It is a gorgeous track with stunning vocals that immediately transport you into this world.
2. “Be Prepared” - One of the most iconic villain songs of all time, the stage version gives us an equally enamoring performance to go with the booming vocals of a terrifying character.
3. “Hakuna Matata” - A song for the ages, this carefree tune is all the motivation you need to pick yourself back up again. Through this song, Simba, young, traumatized, and alone, learns the beauty of friendship and life, and finds the will to move forward.
4. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” - This romantic tune hit the charts with a bang in 1994 and has remained a fan-favorite since. Despite it being a slower, gentler track, it perfectly captures the developing love between two young lions. The musical elevates this with a dreamy sequence that does, in fact, leave you feeling the love.
5. “He Lives in You” - An original track penned by Lebo M, this majestic tune crashes through the heartbreak of the show to remind us that the ancestors never leave us, and there is always hope, even in the darkest of times.

What to expect from The Lion King in London

Are there humans in The Lion King?

While the original animated film and its live-action adaptation featured animals as characters, the stage adaptation does not use any animals. Instead, its brilliant cast brings the Savanna to life through a mix of stage design, puppetry, masks, costumes, and performers who perfected their art.

What is the duration of The Lion King in London?

The Lion King musical runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes with one 15-minute interval.

What age is The Lion King appropriate for?

The recommended age for this musical is 6 and up. The Lion King is a family-friendly show and particularly beloved among children, but it does include some violent scenes, particularly between animals that attack each other, and has references to death. Some young viewers may find this distressing, so discretion is advised.

Is there a dress code for The Lion King in London?

If you're wondering what to wear to The Lion King, fret not: this show has no strict dress code. Theaters generally ask that you dress comfortably and appropriately for the occasion. These spaces are airconditioned throughout the year, so we recommend a light jacket to stay warm. Some Lion King fans take the opportunity to dress up in costumes or themed outfits, which are welcomed, but please note that certain items such as masks or tall hats will need to be removed during the performance so as to not obstruct the view of patrons seated near you.

Tickets to The Lion King in London

• Prices may vary during the year, but tickets currently start at £45.6. 
• Book the best seats online before they run out.

What critics are saying

"The Lion King is brought to life in a space that is impervious to trends and fashion. It will not date easily; indeed, one can imagine it still packing out the Lyceum 15 years from now." - The Telegraph UK

“Watching a 5-year-old mouth agape at a giraffe towering over his head is worth the price of admission alone.” - Chicago Sun-Times

“Disney could not have swept us off to Africa more convincingly.” - Your Local Guardian

“It is a musical spectacular which unsurprisingly saw the whole audience united in a standing ovation.” - The Mancunion

Witness the majesty of the Pride Lands and one cub's journey to self-discovery in The Lion King, now playing at the Lyceum Theatre in London.