The Lion King extends booking period to 28 Jun 2015

Dom O'Hanlon
Dom O'Hanlon

Disney's The Lion King has extended its booking period at the Lyceum Theatre, with tickets now on sale to 28 June 2015.

The musical is set to celebrate its 15th anniversary in London's West End on Sunday 19th October with a gala performance, for which 1500 free tickets were given away. It has been seen by over 12 million theatregoers, playing to around 810,000 guests each year, and recently announced that its worldwide gross exceeds that of any film or entertainment title in box office history.

The Lion King opened in the West End's Lyceum Theatre on 19 Oct 1999, following previews from 24 Sep 1999, to good notices from the popular press. It is currently the sixth longest running musical in West End history, and recently embarked on its first UK tour, which has been seen by over 1.8 million people. To date the show has played 19 countries on every continent except Antarctica.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson released a statement congratulating the production, saying:

"The Lion King's long-run has contributed to the phenomenal success of London Theatre-land. From the bright lights of the West End, to the dozens of smaller theatres to be found across the city, it's a hugely important sector for our economy, generating more than £600 million last year and underlining London's status as one of the world's greatest cities for culture."

The Lion King has a 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.

Based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same name, the musical follows the young lion prince Simba, whose birth results in his evil uncle Scar being pushed back to second in line to the throne. Scar plots to kill both Simba and his father, 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.

Disney Theatricals have also announced that in January 2015 they will release licensed school versions of the show exclusively for primary and secondary schools. These 30-minute and 70-minute versions of the show are accompanied by resource materials to help teachers and students learn about stagecraft and performance.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Lion King about?

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney's multi-award winning musical will redefine your expectations of theatre.

At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba - the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.

Brilliantly reimagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney's beloved film has been transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music.

An iconic, innovative musical that will still take your breath away. This global hit is the most successful stage show in history. Using vibrant puppetry to bring to life the classic Disney film, Julie Taymor’s production was groundbreaking when it debuted and continues to be unlike anything else on the West End. Let yourself be transported, grab your tickets to The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre today.  

How long is The Lion King ?

The running time of The Lion King is 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 interval.

Where is The Lion King playing?

The Lion King is playing at Lyceum Theatre. The theatre is located at 21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ.

What's the age requirement for The Lion King ?

The recommended age for The Lion King is Ages 6+. Children under 3 are not permitted to enter the theatre. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and may not sit on their own. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket..

How do you book tickets for The Lion King ?

Book tickets for The Lion King on London Theatre.

What are the songs in The Lion King?

The Lion King features the classic tunes from the movie with new songs written specifically for the stage adaptation. New songs, such as “Endless Night”, are intertwined with well-known songs like “The Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata.” Read our complete song guide to The Lion King.

Who wrote The Lion King?

The music was composed by Elton John, with lyrics by Tim Rice. Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi wrote the book for The Lion King stage musical.

Who directed The Lion King?

The Lion King on stage was directed by Julie Taymor. At the Tony Awards 1998, she won Best Direction of a Musical.

When did The Lion King open in the West End?

The Lion King opened at the Lyceum Theatre in the West End on 19 October 1999.

Is The Lion King appropriate for kids?

The Lion King is suitable for all audiences but is recommended for ages 6. Children under three will not be admitted.

Is The Lion King good?

The Lion King is a spectacular production that is an excellent time for the whole family. Read our five-star review of The Lion King.

Originally published on

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