The London company of ‘The Lion King’ consists of 46 performers, led by George Asprey as Scar, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, Stephen Matthews as Zazu, Brown Lindiwe Mkhize as Rafiki, Nick Mercer as Timon, Keith Bookman as Pumba, Andile Gumbi as Simba, Gloria Onitiri as Nala, Gary Forbes as Banzai, Allyson Addo as Shenzi and Mark Sangster as Ed.

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 Taymor directed in the commercial theatre, and made Broadway history by becoming the first woman to win the Tony Award® for’ Best Director of a Musical’.

The creative team, all of whom won Tony Awards® for their work on THE LION KING reunited in 1999 to recreate the show for British audiences. Julie Taymor, along with Michael Curry, created hundreds of masks and puppets for the show. Costume design is by Julie Taymor, and choreography by Garth Fagan. Scenic design is by leading British designer Richard Hudson and lighting design is by Donald Holder. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated film, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay for THE LION KING.

The original score from the animated film was expanded for the stage and now features 15 musical numbers. South African composer Lebo M, as well as writing completely new songs, has 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.