English
English
4.8
Arianna SilvestroUnited Kingdom
My expectations were high because I’d been waiting for years, and this Disney movie is one of my favorites—a cherished memory from my childhood. But it was all incredibly moving, right from the iconic opening scene. From the beauty of the small theater—with a stage ingeniously designed to accommodate all the sets—to the incredibly talented actors, who were expressive, true to the original characters, and just the right amount of witty. Many lines were taken from the movie, along with some original dialogue; I particularly appreciated the references to African culture and the fact that Rafiki spoke in the original language at times. Everything was wonderful; I bought some merchandise to support them because they deserve it. Honorable mention goes to the orchestra. I got tickets in the upper section because they were less expensive, and the show was very enjoyable. The theater’s only drawback was the lack of air conditioning in the restrooms—it was stiflingly hot. There are a lot of stairs; I’m not sure if the venue is accessible for people with mobility impairments.
View original review in Italian
Disney’s The Lion King
All photos
DURATION
2 hr 30 min with interval
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 6+ yrs
from
£46.25
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AboutVenueTicketsReviews
Why watch Disney’s The Lion King?
- Disney’s landmark musical blends storytelling and spectacle, reimagining the hit 1994 film into a theatre experience with a cast and crew of over 150 people from 17 countries.
- Julie Taymor’s direction earned her the title of the first woman to win a Tony for Best Director of a Musical, and Garth Fagan’s choreography redefined what musical theatre can achieve.
- Elton John and Tim Rice’s Academy Award-winning songs, paired with Lebo M’s rich arrangements, make for one of the most memorable theatrical scores, which includes iconic numbers like “Hakuna Matata” and “Circle of Life”.
- Take a trip to the African Savannah where over 350 hand-built costumes, intricate masks, and 232 hand-crafted puppets seamlessly bring the Pride Lands to life.
- Running at the Lyceum Theatre since 1999, Disney’s The Lion King roars on for 27+ years and has been seen by over 124 million people worldwide!
Disney’s The Lion King has been a cornerstone of London theatre since opening at the Lyceum Theatre in 1999, now in its 27th year, runs as one of the most popular shows in the West End. Julie Taymor, the first woman to win a Tony for Best Director of a Musical, reimagines the Oscar-winning film with music by Elton John, Tim Rice, Lebo M, Mark Mancina, and Hans Zimmer. Taymor and Michael Curry spent 37,000 hours building iconic designs, including over 232 rod, shadow, and full-sized puppets. Every mask tells a story: Mufasa's sun-like circle symbolizes balance, while Scar's is sharp and uneven. As The New York Times put it, "There is simply nothing else like it." Current leads George Asprey (Scar), Shaun Escoffery (Mufasa), Posi Morakinyo (Simba), and Asha Parker-Wallace (Nala) join a massive team of 50 cast members and 100 backstage crew to make every performance a theatrical hit.
Storyline
Under the blazing African sun, Simba, a young cub destined to be king, enjoys a carefree life in the Pride Lands and a close bond with his father, the wise King Mufasa. But in the shadows lurks Scar, the king's bitter and ambitious brother, who sees Simba as an obstacle to his royal fate. After orchestrating Mufasa's untimely death and leading Simba to believe it was his doing, he begins his despotic reign over the Pride Lands. As the years pass, the young prince comes into his own, far from his rightful kingdom, only to be jolted back to reality by his childhood friend, Nala. Leading up to the climactic battle that will decide the fate of everyone he loves, will Simba be able to accept his legacy and all that came before?
Show timings
Show timings for Disney’s The Lion King may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & crew
- Leading roles: George Asprey as Scar, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, Thenjiwe Nofemele as Rafiki, Gary Jordan as Zazu, Stuart Neal as Timon, Pierre Van Heerden as Pumbaa, Posi Morakinyo as Simba, and Asha Parker-Wallace as Nala.
- Direction: Julie Taymor
- Adaptation: Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi
- Music: Elton John
- Lyrics: Tim Rice
- Additional music & lyrics: Lebo M, Mark Mancina, and Hans Zimmer
- Costume design, mask & puppet co-design, additional lyrics: Julie Taymor and Michael Curry
- Choreographer: Garth Fagan
- Set design: Richard Hudson
- Lighting design: Donald Holder
- Sound design: Steve Canyon Kennedy
The Lion King cast & creatives >
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Top songs
Enjoy Elton John and Tim Rice’s timeless hits like “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and the Oscar-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” With Lebo M’s soaring choral arrangements, Mark Mancina’s additional score, and Hans Zimmer’s original film themes, the music blends seamlessly with Julie Taymor’s vision to create an unforgettable live experience.
Age & content guide
- This show is recommended for ages 6 years and above. Children aged under 3 years will not be admitted to this show.
- All guests that are 16 years and under need to be accompanied by an adult and may not sit on their own in the auditorium.
- Content warning: The production contains smoke and fog effects as well as strobe lighting.
- Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Lyceum Theatre Read more
Lyceum Theatre, located just off the Strand on Wellington Street, dates back to 1765. Over the years, the venue has served many purposes, including hosting a circus, a chapel, an exhibition by Madame Tussauds, and many more. It even served as an English Opera House for a few years. Ever since 1999, it has been home to the world-renowned musical Disney's The Lion King.
The Lyceum Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
Getting there
- Address: Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street, London
- Tube: The nearest tube stations are Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern Line) and Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line).
- Bus: RV1, X68, 1, 6, 11, 13, 23, 59, 68, 87, 168, 171, 172, 188, or 243 to Aldwych and 4, 9, 15, 26, 34, 76, 91, 139, or 176 to Strand.
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: restrooms, cloakroom, Bars, merchandise kiosks
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible, companion seating, access hosts, Wheelchair accessible, accessible toilets, step-free entry, induction loops for hearing-impaired guests
Additional information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets redemption
- You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
Ratings & reviews
4.8
12,393 ratings
10.3K
1.6K
282
82
164
Arianna
Jul 2026Verified booking
My expectations were high because I’d been waiting for years, and this Disney movie is one of my favorites—a cherished memory from my childhood. But it was all incredibly moving, right from the iconic opening scene. From the beauty of the small theater—with a stage ingeniously designed to accommodate all the sets—to the incredibly talented actors, who were expressive, true to the original characters, and just the right amount of witty. Many lines were taken from the movie, along with some original dialogue; I particularly appreciated the references to African culture and the fact that Rafiki spoke in the original language at times. Everything was wonderful; I bought some merchandise to support them because they deserve it. Honorable mention goes to the orchestra. I got tickets in the upper section because they were less expensive, and the show was very enjoyable. The theater’s only drawback was the lack of air conditioning in the restrooms—it was stiflingly hot. There are a lot of stairs; I’m not sure if the venue is accessible for people with mobility impairments.
View original review in Italian
Leo
Jul 2026Verified booking
The Lion King was an unforgettable experience from beginning to end. The performances were outstanding, with incredible singing, acting, and choreography that brought the story to life in a truly magical way. The costumes and stage design were breathtaking, and the way the animals were portrayed was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The live orchestra and powerful music created an emotional atmosphere that gave me goosebumps several times throughout the show. Every scene was executed with remarkable precision and passion. It wasn’t just a musical, it was a spectacular artistic experience that exceeded all my expectations. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting London, regardless of age. A truly world-class performance that I’ll remember for a long time
Claudio
Jul 2026Verified booking
From the moment we walked into the theater, it was clear that this wasn’t just any show, but a top-notch production. When “Circle of Life” begins and the animals appear, roaming the aisles, it’s impossible not to be moved. It’s one of those moments that stays with you forever. The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre was an unforgettable experience: the music, set design, and talent were simply spectacular.
View original review in Spanish
Evelin
Jul 2026Verified booking
The Lion King was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. I loved the unique concept and the incredible creativity behind the costumes and stage design. The technical execution was truly impressive, bringing the story to life in a magical way. The music was absolutely beautiful and gave me goosebumps throughout the performance. A spectacular show that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting London!
Francisco
Jul 2026Verified booking
As it was the matinee for the lion king, it was full of children and big groups from schools. The show was fantastic and the venue was very comfortable, the air-conditioning was working really well despite being so hot in the streets these days. The view from the grand circle is great you can see from the pictures (G-1 seat). A booster seat was provided for my little niece, so kind from the staff. Thanks
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Frequently asked questions about Disney’s The Lion King
How much do tickets for Disney’s The Lion King in London cost?
The cost of tickets starts from £43.75 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
What age is the musical appropriate for?
The show is recommended for children 6 years and above. Children under 3 years of age are not admitted to the show. Any guests under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult
and may not sit on their own in the auditorium. The production contains smoke and fog effects as well as strobe lighting.
How long does the musical run for?
The running time is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an interval.
Where is Disney’s The Lion King playing in London?
The musical is playing at the Lyceum Theatre in London.
What is the musical about?
Disney’s The Lion King brings the beloved film to the stage, where young Simba journeys through a life of hardship to become king of the jungle.
What are the popular songs in Disney’s The Lion King?
The musical has a range of delightful songs from the original film, including hits from Elton John and Tim Rice including “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” You can listen to The Lion King playlist here.
How is this different from the animated film?
While it follows the same story, the stage version includes new songs, expanded scenes, and Julie Taymor’s groundbreaking puppetry.
Are animals portrayed with live puppets?
Yes, over 232 hand-crafted puppets and masks including Mufasa's sun-shaped mask and Scar's sharp, angular headpiece, bring the Pride Lands to life.
Does the show feature the same characters from the film?
All the beloved characters like Simba, Mufasa, Scar, Timon, and Pumbaa appear, along with expanded ensemble roles.
Has the show won any awards?
Yes, it has multiple Olivier awards including Best Costume Design and Best Choreography, as well as Tony awards for the Broadway version.
How long has the show been running in London?
It has been playing at the Lyceum Theatre since 1999, now in its 27th year as one of the West End's longest-running musicals.