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](https://open.spotify.com/album/1y6p6tINBthUWsQVQJmiYK?go=1\&sp_cid=522ce777c6d3655770a347de87478e46\&utm_source=embed_player_p\&utm_medium=desktop\&nd=1\&dlsi=0869d390d0644638).

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. Q: Does The Lion King use special effects? A: Yes. The production features theatrical smoke, haze, lighting effects, large-scale puppetry, elaborate masks, and performers moving through the auditorium.

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Disney’s The Lion King

Musicals

DisneyKidsClassicOlivier Winner

Lyceum Theatre

Duration

2 hrs 30 mins with interval

Closing Date

Until May 16, 2027

Age limit

Suitable for 6+ yrs

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."

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: Julie Taymor and Michael Curry
Choreographer: Garth Fagan
Set design: Richard Hudson
Lighting design: Donald Holder
Sound design: Steve Canyon Kennedy

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.

The Lion King soundtrack >

Age Suitability

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.
Keep in mind, most theatres are air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly. Bring along a light jacket if needed.

Lyceum Theatre

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 The Lion King. The Lyceum Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.

Getting There

Address: 21 Wellington St, London WC2E 7RQ, UK
By metro:
The nearest tube stations are Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern Line) and Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line).
By 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

Amenities: Dining outlets, Toilets, Cloak room, Souvenir shop

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

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.