Back in 1994 audiences flocked to the cinema to witness the latest Disney spectacle – an animated film that would be amongst the most successful of all time and certainly one of the most memorable recent works under the Disney Classics brand. Taking its cues from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and featuring vocal talents from a host of Hollywood and British actors, “The Lion King” was always destined for big things.
Audiences were gripped from the moment the “The Circle of Life” theme by Elton John filled the auditorium, as the animals of the Prideland gather to witness the birth of Simba, the lion cub. It is amongst scenes that have gone down in cinematic history.
But when the movie left cinema screens back in 1994, the story was far from over. Enter Julie Taymor, a designer and director who took it upon herself to bring the story to the stage. By July 1997 her dream was finally realised on Broadway, winning praise and accolades, including Tony Awards and an abundance of eager punters. It wouldn’t be long until audiences around the world got their hands on the success story, appearing in cities from Paris to Tokyo – and of course, London’s West End.
“The Lion King” opened at the Lyceum Theatre in October 1999 and has stayed there to this day having celebrated its tenth anniversary in October 2009 (which featured James Earl Jones – the original Mufasa - amongst its audience members). During its runs at the capital it has appeared at the Royal Variety performance on two occasions and has bagged Laurence Olivier Awards along the way, making it one of the biggest shows in the West End.
The story of “The Lion King” is a timeless one, opening just like the movie to Elton John’s “The Circle of Life” as Simba, son of King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi, is born in the Prideland and held up to the kingdom for all to see. After this we follow Simba’s life as a young cub, getting into trouble with his female friend Nala and being taught the ways of the world by his father.
But the Prideland holds a challenger to the throne in the form of Simba’s uncle Scar (brother to King Mufasa) and this wicked lion hatches a plan to end Mufasa’s life and take the throne for himself. Under Scar’s plan Simba is rescued from a stampede by Mufasa, only to be trampled to death himself. Scar pins the blame on Simba and he departs from the Prideland for good, leaving the Prideland in the hands of his uncle.
But sooner or later Simba must face his past and as an adult Lion he returns to the Prideland to put things right, facing Scar once and for all.
The show features many of the popular characters from the movies, from Simba and Mufasa to Timon & Pumba, Nala and Rafiki. It can therefore be enjoyed by fans of the show and newcomers alike, who will all find something special from the compelling story.
“The Lion King” continues at its home of the Lyceum Theatre where it is currently booking to 2010.
Venue Information
Venue
Lyceum Theatre
Wellington Street
London
WC2E 7RQ
Travel
Underground: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) - From Covent Garden turn right (south) towards the market. Turn left and walk around the piazza clockwise, taking the first left hand (east) exit along Russell Street. Take the first right (south) down Wellington Street. The theatre is on your left at the bottom of Wellington Street.
Rail: Charing Cross - Northern line north to Leicester Square, Piccadilly line east to Covent Garden, Kings Cross/St Pancras - Piccadilly line west to Covent Garden, Paddington - Bakerloo line south/east to Piccadilly Circus, Piccadilly line east to Covent Garden, Victoria - Victoria line north to Green Park, Piccadilly line east to Covent Garden, Liverpool Street - Central line west to Holborn, Piccadilly line west to Covent Garden, Marylebone - Bakerloo line south/east to Piccadilly Circus, Piccadilly line east to Covent Garden Waterloo - Northern line north to Leicester Square, Piccadilly line east to Covent Garden.
Parking: NCP Drury Lane. Parking in central London can be difficult and expensive. Please use public transport.
Access
Wheelchairs: Entrance is through a double exit door to the left-hand side as you face the theatre. 8 spaces in Stalls. Wheelchair users should be accompanied by a non-wheelchair using companion.
Hearing Impaired: Infrared headsets available from kiosk. Deposit required. Reception best in Royal Circle and Stalls. Please call 0870 906 3838 for further information and concession details.
