Jonathan Bailey – aka [Anthony Bridgerton](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/discover-the-bridgerton-casts-theatre-history-jonathan-bailey) – is swapping the ton’s marriage mart for the stage as he makes his much-anticipated return to theatre. The actor will play the title role in Shakespeare’s history play *[Richard II](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/14375-richard-ii)* at London’s Bridge Theatre, directed by Nicholas Hytner, in an exciting new production in spring...

Learn more about Jonathan Bailey before seeing him in 'Richard II'

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The acclaimed actor and *Bridgerton* star is back on stage in Nicholas Hytner's new Bridge Theatre production of Shakespeare's *Richard II* in 2025.

The sun is finally out (some of the time!), and that means the summer theatre season is in full swing, in the West End and beyond. If you’re looking to catch some of London’s great shows during your holiday — or staycation — then you’re in luck: this is a particularly good year for hot, hot, hot summer productions.

Of course, there are the annual outdoor theatre experiences at [Shakespeare’s Globe](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/shakespeares-globe-theatre) and [Regent’s Park Open Air...

Book tickets for shows to see in the West End this summer

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See uplifting, feel-good West End shows in London all summer long, including *Kiss Me, Kate*, *Hello, Dolly!* and *The Wizard of Oz*.

Tracy-Ann Oberman is set to reprise her role as Shylock in [*The Merchant of Venice 1936*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/41659-merchant-of-venice-1936) at the [Trafalgar Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/trafalgar-theatre) in the West End this December for a limited season.

Oberman (*EastEnders, Doctor Who, Friday Night Dinner*) became the first British actress to play Shylock when the production toured the UK in 2023, before opening at the Criterion Theatre in February...

Tracy-Ann Oberman to reprise role in 'The Merchant of Venice 1936' in the West End

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*EastEnders* and *Doctor Who* actor Tracy-Ann Oberman became the first British actress to play Shylock when *The Merchant of Venice 1936* toured the UK last year.

James Graham’s new play *Punch* will transfer to London's Young Vic next March, fresh off its run at Nottingham Playhouse. 

The show, which tells the shocking true story about the fatal consequences of a single punch on a night out, is based on the book *Right from Wrong* by Jacob Dunne.

Julie Hesmondhalgh (*Mr Bates vs The Post Office*) and Tony Hirst (*Hollyoaks*) will reprise their roles as Joan and David, while David Shields (*Black Mirror*) will return as Jacob.

The cast is completed by...

James Graham’s 'Punch' to transfer to Young Vic in London

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Julie Hesmondhalgh and Tony Hirst will reprise their roles as Joan and David in James Graham's play about a single punch that has fatal consequences.

New casting has been announced for Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin's [*Matilda the Musical*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/305-matilda-the-musical-tickets), which is now in its 13th year in the West End. The new cast will join from 10 September.

Angelica Scott will join Anna Deikalo, Ava Posniak, and Sophia Saravanan in the title role of Matilda. Also joining in principal roles are Tiffany Graves as Mrs Wormwood, Neil McDermott as Mr Wormwood, and Eve Norris as Miss Honey. Kieran Hill will...

'Matilda the Musical' announces new casting

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Angelica Scott will join Anna Deikalo, Ava Posniak, and Sophia Saravanan as Matilda, in Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin's musical about an extraordinary little girl.

Dearest gentle reader, it gives me great pleasure to impart to you the news that Jonathan Bailey, better known to *Bridgerton* fans as the 9th Viscount Bridgerton – or Anthony to his family – is taking to the stage in 2025 in a new production of *[Richard II](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/14375-richard-ii)* at London’s [Bridge Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/the-bridge-theatre).

Bailey will play the title role in Nicholas Hytner’s Shakespeare production, which runs from...

Discover the 'Bridgerton' cast's theatre history

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As Jonathan Bailey, star of the hit Netflix romance series, prepares to play Richard II, learn all about Bridgerton cast's success on stage.

New casting has been announced for [*Back to the Future: The Musical*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/22396-back-to-the-future-the-musical-tickets) at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End. The musical has also extended performances through 27 July 2025.

Vasco Emauz will make his West End debut as teenager Marty McFly. He is joined by Orlando Gibbs (*Mr Burns: A Post-Electric Play*) as George McFly, C.J. Borger (*Kristin Chenoweth: An Evening With Friends In Honor Of Todd Haimes*) as...

New cast announced for 'Back to the Future: The Musical' in the West End

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Vasco Emauz makes his West End debut as Marty McFly in Bob Gale, Alan Silvestri, and Glen Ballard's musical about a time-travelling teenager and an eccentric scientist.

*SIX* fans rejoice! Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’s sophomore musical *Why Am I So Single?* starts previews in August, opening in September. While the pop-infused *SIX* revolutionised the historical musical with its diva-inspired girl group take on the six wives of Henry VIII, this new show is set in the present day and deals with a force even more fearsome and cut-throat than the aforementioned murderous monarch… modern-day dating. 

The story deals with two terminally single friends who happen to...

Everything you need to know about 'Why Am I So Single?'

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The hotly anticipated new show about modern dating by *SIX* writers Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss arrives at the Garrick Theatre in the West End this August.

He might not have been the lead in this year's season of Netflix’s *Bridgerton*, but all eyes were nevertheless on Jonathan Bailey as the dashing eldest son and heir Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton, back from honeymoon and blissfully in love with his new wife, Kate. The most eligible leading man of the moment, Bailey will also soon be seen as Fiyero in the hotly anticipated *Wicked* film, opposite Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

In 2025, Bailey will return to the stage with a very different...

John Gielgud to Jonathan Bailey: Stars on stage in Shakespeare's 'Richard II'

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Ahead of Jonathan Bailey's performance as Richard II at the Bridge Theatre, we look at other leading actors to have played the tragic medieval monarch.

Further casting has been revealed for James Macdonald's production of Samuel Beckett’s *Waiting for Godot* in the West End this autumm.

Joining the previously announced Lucian Msamati (*Game of Thrones, Amadeus*) as Estragon and Ben Whishaw (*James Bond, Paddington*) as Vladimir are Tom Edden (*Crazy For You, Cyrano De Bergerac*) as Lucky and Jonathan Slinger (*Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Richard II, Richard III*) as Pozzo.

The creative team includes Rae Smith (set and costume design),...

Ben Whishaw and Lucian Msamati-led 'Waiting for Godot' announces further casting

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Samuel Beckett's play follows Vladimir and Estragon as they discuss a variety of subjects while waiting for the titular Godot, who never arrives.

Can you feel the love tonight? Now you can, as *The Lion King* continues roaring in London. *The Lion King* extends its West End run at the [Lyceum Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/lyceum-theatre) through 12 Feb. 2023. 

Based on the Disney animated film, *The Lion King* musical follows Simba as he becomes King of the Pride Lands. It's set to an acclaimed score with songs including "I Just Can't Wait to be King" and "Hakuna Matata". [Find out more about The Lion King in the West End.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-lion-king-in-london) 

Kayi Ushe plays Simba in *The Lion King.* He’s joined by George Asprey as Scar, Phil Adèle as Ed, David Blake as Banzai, Janique Charles as Nala, Thenjiwe Thendiva Nofemele as Rafiki, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, Gary Jordan as Zazu, Jamie McGregor as Timon, Melone M'Kenzy as Shenzi and Mark Roper as Pumbaa.

*The Lion King* is one of four Disney musicals in the West End this summer: [*Frozen*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23585-frozen-the-musical), [*Mary Poppins*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/15047-mary-poppins), and [*Beauty and the Beast*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24663-disneys-beauty-and-the-beast) all play in London. [Find out more about Disney shows in London.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/disney)

*The Lion King* is at the Lyceum Theatre.

[Book *The Lion King* tickets on London Theatre.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/302-the-lion-king)

‘The Lion King’ tickets available through February 2023 

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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.

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Production shot of The Lion King in London, showing "The Lionesses Hunt" dance.

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Witness the circle of life in Disney’s long-running and multi-award-winning musical in London’s West End at the Lyceum Theatre. __*The Lion King* tickets are available on London Theatre now.__

## *The Lion King*, a fascinating theatrical sensation

Adapted from the 1994 film, *The Lion King* is one of the most successful stage musicals in history. Director and designer Julie Taymor crafts a colourful, imaginative, and highly creative world that brings Africa's flora, fauna, and animals to life using clever puppetry set against a timeless score by Elton John and Tim Rice. *The Lion King* musical is unlike anything seen in musical theatre before and will redefine your expectations of what theatre can be. 

## What is *The Lion King the Musical* about?

*The Lion King* is about a young lion cub named Simba. He’s the prince and heir of Pride Rock. During the musical, Simba goes on a life-changing journey through the Pride Lands but must defeat Mufasa’s brother Scar who dreams of ascending to the throne. Can Simba face the world and roar louder than ever before?

## What makes *The Lion King* musical an exceptional experience?

*The Lion King* is an incredible experience for the whole family. Over 200 puppets bring the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and the evocative rhythms of Africa to life, set against a timeless score by Elton John and Tim Rice, with beloved songs like “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.”

*The Lion King* songs incorporate six different African languages: Swahili, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, and Congolese, into the lyrics. The first line of “Circle of Life” says, “Nants ingonyama bagithi baba”, translating to “There’s a lion, father”. Lebo M, Julie Taymor, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer provide original songs for the musical.

[In a five-star review on London Theatre, our critic raves:](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/the-lion-king) “*The Lion King* is an outstanding creative and emotional musical and will no doubt remain the King of the West End for many years to come.”

## Tickets to *The Lion King* in London are available now

Book your *The Lion King* tickets on London Theatre today.


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The Lion King Tickets | London Theatre

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.  

Journey across the African plains with Disney’s *The Lion King*. Book *The Lion King* tickets in London on TodayTix.

Based on the *The Lion King* Disney movie, this beloved musical follows young lion cub Simba, a prince and heir to Pride Rock, the land of his father, Mufasa. As Simba begins to learn what it means to be a King and to lead his people, Mufasa’s duplicitous brother, Scar, plots to take over the Pridelands. With the help of a pack of hyenas, Simba must face the world alone, discovering a new way of life in the jungle with new friends Timon and Pumbaa. 

The *Lion King* musical is a fun-filled stage spectacular. It features music by Elton John and Tim Rice, incorporating fantastic puppetry to bring the animal kingdom to life. See gazelles move gracefully across the stage, an elephant take to the theatre aisles and birds fly across the auditorium! *The Lion King* London musical is part of the West End's circle of life, after all.

## What to Watch For:

- *The Lion King* isn't just told in English. Songs in *The Lion King* use six different African languages throughout the show, including Zulu, Swahili and Xhosa, representing a variety of African nations and communities.
- Julie Taymor, theatre designer and director, designed the all of the costumes and used carbon fibre to create the animal masks. This made them light enough for the performers to wear, but strong enough to last a while for a long running show.
- In total, there are 232 puppets used in the *The Lion King* in London. The production showcases 25 different species of animals, birds, fish and insects.
- By far, the largest puppet in the show is the Elephant, given the nickname Bertha by the crew. She is 13 foot long and 9 foot wide. It takes four people to work together in order to move the puppet across the Lyceum Theatre's stage.

The Lion King [302] - TodayTix

The Lion King Tickets | London | TodayTix

Visit the Pride Lands and see the stage adaptation of the Disney classic movie, *The Lion King*. Featuring Elton John and Tim Rice's beloved songs "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "Circle of Life," witness the incredible puppetry and effects in Julie Taymor's groundbreaking production.

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Buy tickets for The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre in London. Find official theatre tickets to Musicals with Box Office.

The Lion King Tickets | Box Office

It's been fifteen years almost to the week that I first saw Disney's<a href="/show/the-lion-king"> The Lion King</a> in what was its first year in the West End. I don't think even Disney could have predicted that sixteen years later the show would still be London's most popular musical, selling out performances eight times a week and playing to packed crowds.Judging the show against the current climate of the West End, I worried some of the magic may have faded, but Julie Taymor's staging and costume design remains some of the most innovative, impressive and breath-taking to ever be seen on stage - musical or otherwise.Disney Theatricals have grown in strength and statue since the production originally opened on Broadway in 1997, but <a href="/show/the-lion-king">The Lion King</a> remains the jewel in the crown for theatrical integrity and pure spectacle. Seeing the show again in context of Disney's more recent efforts 'The Little Mermaid', 'Newsies' and '<a href="/show/aladdin">Aladdin</a>', you realise how they pail in comparison in terms of creativity and kick yourself for taking Taymor's work for granted.Based on the 1994 animated film, one of the last in the period of the 'Disney Renaissance', the heart-warming tale follows the lion cub Simba as he learns to take his place in the great "circle of life" following the murder of his father Mufassa by his evil uncle Scar. The show combines low comedy (side-kicks Timon and Pumba) with shades of 'Hamlet', resulting in a near perfect and original story that delights both children and adults.The level of detail in the costumes, make up and puppetry is utterly staggering and Taymor creates a visual feast for the eyes aided by Garth Fagan's authentic and energetic choreography that makes you forget you are watching humans. This is blended with the subtlety of the direction that at its most powerful shows a waterhole drying up with just the simplest trick and binds together a fully immersive technical feat. There is simply nothing like this musical on a production level and the fact it stands the test of time and is yet to be bettered is proof alone of its success.The show has had some tightening up in recent years, with one song trimmed ("The Madness of King Scar") and one deleted all together ("The Morning Report") to keep the run time to a family friendly level. All of the set pieces are there - from the opening section where the animals come together to celebrate "The Circle of Life" to the Wildebeest stampede and the battle for Pride Rock. The ingenuity however comes from scenes such as "The Lioness Hunt" and "One By One" that bring a fresh authenticity to the score and showcase a universally talented, athletic and agile ensemble.<a href="/show/the-lion-king">The Lion King</a> is an outstanding creative and emotional musical and will no doubt remain the King of the West End for many years to come. As Disney Theatricals continue to grow their stock and with a Broadway production of 'Frozen' on the horizon, I hope the show isn't taken for granted, as theatre practitioners the world over can learn from Taymor's alchemy.

The Lion King Review

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. 

The Lyceum Theatre is a grand cultural establishment located in London's bustling West End. Featuring a magnificent façade, impressive entryway, and an interior adorned with deep-red velvet, chandeliers, and exquisite gold-leaf embellishment, the Lyceum offers a classic theatre experience with a blend of historic charm and contemporary convenience. It has a seating capacity of over 2,000 occupants, and is known for hosting a wide range of performances, but most notably, it has been the home of 'The Lion King' musical since 1999, attracting thousands of theatre-goers each year. Apart from shows, the theatre has bars on all levels and facilities for wheelchair users. 

## How to get to the venue

The Lyceum Theatre is easily accessible by a variety of transport methods. For those who prefer the tube, Covent Garden station on the Piccadilly Line is the nearest at a 5-minute walk away. There are also several bus routes that stop near the theatre and for those driving, there is designated theatre parking at Q-Park Centres in nearby Trafalgar Square and Chinatown. The theatre's central location also ensures plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops within quick reach.

## Additional Information

Venue opens 90m before showtime.

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The Lyceum Theatre dates back to 1834, but the current theatre opened in 1904. The 1904 renovation saw the auditorium almost completely rebuilt. After 25 years of presenting variety acts, Christmas pantomimes and a series of melodramas presented by the Melville Brothers, the building was closed in 1939 facing demolition. 

Fortunately, it was rescued and reopened in 1951 as the Lyceum Ballroom, a Mecca Ballroom which saw many famous bands perform through the 1970s, including The Who, The Police, Led Zeppelin, U2, Bob Marley and the Wailers. It closed again in 1986 but was restored to theatrical use in 1996, including the addition of an orchestra pit.

## Lyceum Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has three levels – Stalls, Royal Circle and Grand Circle. In the Stalls, the view of the stage is obstructed by the overhang of the Royal Circle from Row T onwards, but the Stalls generally offer a good view of the stage, with a rake from Row C.

In the Royal Circle, the view of the stage is slightly obstructed by the overhang of the Grand Circle from Row P onwards. The Royal Circle offers good views.

The Grand Circle is set very high in this theatre.

## Where is *The Lion King* in London?

*The Lion King* is at the Lyceum Theatre. *The Lion King* started its record-breaking run of performances at the Lyceum Theatre in 1999.

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The Lyceum Theatre, dating back to 1834 and renovated in 1904, hosted famous bands in the 1970s and has been showing 'The Lion King' since 1999.

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The Lyceum Theatre in London's West End is a grand venue known for hosting 'The Lion King' musical and is easily accessible by various transport methods.

‘The Lion King’ tickets available through February 2023

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