Lion King cast changes!

Lion King cast changes!

Disney's The Lion King has announced cast changes at the Lyceum Theatre.

As part of the production's annual cast change, thirteen new cast members have joined the 46-strong company: Shaun Escoffery (Mufasa), George Asprey (Scar), Gloria Onitiri (Nala), Andile Gumbi (Simba), Cameron Pow (Zazu), Vincent Bugg, Sheila Kerr, Sakhumzi Mbele, Nqobile Nbanjwa, Yael Alano Pineda, Jermaine Rowe, Craig Williams, Wei Wei Zhang.

Shaun Escoffery was Olivier-nominated for his performance in Parade, at the Donmar Warehouse, last year. His previous West End credits include Les Miserables, The Who's Tommy and Smokey Joe's Cafe. George Asprey recently played Billy Flynn in the UK tour of Chicago. Gloria Onitiri was part of the 2002 company of 'The Lion King' and now returns to the show. Her West End credits includes Avenue Q. Andile Gumbi has played the role of 'Simba' in productions of 'The Lion King' around the world, including Melbourne, Shanghai and, the Johannesburg production which marked the tenth anniversary of the Broadway opening. Cameron Pow , a Welsh native, has spent most of his career working in the United States. He played the role of 'Zazu' in one of the US touring companies of 'The Lion King' for five years and now makes his West End debut.

Disney's award-winning Broadway musical roared into the West End with over 40 actors, singers and dancers in September 1999. It received good notices from the popular press: THE FINANCIAL TIMES said, "As blockbuster musicals go, this is one with beauty and brains." THE DAILY TELEGRAPH" said, "For once a mega musical lives up to the hype. This is a dazzling show with the heart of a lion." THE EVENING STANDARD said, "A beautiful dazzle of invention and imagination."

Almost 7 million people have seen 'The Lion King' at the Lyceum Theatre. The production can also be seen in New York, Paris, Hamburg, Tokyo, and on major tours of the US and Japan.

The show has book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, with additional songs by Lebo M, Julie Taymor, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. It is directed by Julie Taymor, designed by Richard Hudson, lighting by Donald Holder with choreography by Garth Fagan.

When the young lion prince Simba is born his evil uncle Scar is pushed back to second in line to the throne. Scar plots to kill both Simba and his father, King Mufasa, and proclaim himself king. Simba survives but is led to believe that his father died because of him and he decides to flee the kingdom.