It’s another fantastic year for [Shakespeare plays](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/shakespeare) in London, and as the weather (finally!) improves, you can start getting those outdoor shows in the diary, as well as all of the brilliant productions in the West End and beyond.

If you’re after a fresh take on the Bard, you’re definitely in luck. Sir Ian McKellen is already wowing audiences, giving his Falstaff a dynamic new spin in Robert Icke's adaptation of *Henry IV*, *[Player...

See modern adaptations and outdoor productions of Shakespeare plays in London

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Player Kings. Ian McKellen (Falstaff) & Toheeb Jimoh (Prince Harry). Credit - Manuel Harlan. 029

From Ian McKellen in *Player Kings* to an incredible open-air season at Shakespeare's Globe, there's a wide variety of shows on offer in London.

You just can’t beat family when it comes to riveting drama. Perhaps that’s because no one gets under your skin quite like the people you love and who know you best – and who are bonded to you by blood, like it or not. From Greek tragedy through Shakespearean slanging matches and contemporary clans, shows with family drama at their centre have always ruled our stages.

That’s certainly true of London theatre this year, which features a range of bickering families – from plays like *[Long Day's...

Watch West End family dramas on the London stage

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Enter the homes of these loving but fraught families in West End plays such as *Long Day's Journey Into Night* and musicals like *Back to the Future*.

Get ready for what promises to be the most talked-about play of the year. Hollywood star John Lithgow will play Roald Dahl in a new drama, *[Giant](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/39984-giant)*, which sees the famous author about to release his children’s book *The Witches*, but then rocked by a scandal surrounding anti-Semitic comments he made in an article.

Mark Rosenblatt’s debut play, directed by Nicholas Hytner (artistic director of the Bridge Theatre), also stars Elliot Levey...

Learn more about John Lithgow's career ahead of him playing Roald Dahl in 'Giant'

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The Tony and Emmy-winning Hollywood actor is starring in Mark Rosenblatt’s provocative new play *Giant* at the Royal Court in London this autumn.

Duncan Macmillan’s indelible hit play *[People, Places & Things](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/40085-people-places-and-things)* is making an exciting return to the West End this summer – and its original star is back too. Denise Gough will reprise her award-winning lead role as Emma, an actress and addict who crash-lands in rehab.

It’s an unmissable chance to see Gough reprise one of the great performances of the past decade, as she digs into knotty issues around recovery, identity,...

Everything you need to know about People, Places & Things

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Denise Gough reprises her Olivier Award-winning performance in Duncan Macmillan's electrifying play, which returns for a run at the Trafalgar Theatre from May.

As much as we adore all of the historic theatres that make up London’s West End and beyond, it’s also exciting when we get a new venue – especially if it’s one that allows for completely different kinds of staging.

The [Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/troubadour-wembley-park-theatre), which was converted from a TV studio, is a prime example. This huge, flexible space has already accommodated a wide variety of shows, from Rambert’s dance take on *Peaky...

A complete guide to the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

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Get to know this fun, flexible north London venue ahead of its much-anticipated revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber musical *Starlight Express* this summer.

Summer is on the horizon, and many of London’s open-air theatres will welcome audiences once more. Look forward to shows under the stars at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe. But, if you’re sticking to the West End theatres, then you’re in for a treat with *Fawlty Towers, Heathers,* and *Long Day's Journey Into Night* to name a few. 

May 2024 in London marks the beginning of limited summer shows and plenty of buzzy productions to whet your appetite. We’re seriously spoiled...

Top theatre to see in London in May

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From the Brian Cox-led *Long Day's Journey Into Night*, to *Bluets*, starring Ben Whishaw, here’s the top theatre picks in London in May 2024.

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London Theatre Magazine online: April edition

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Immerse yourself in London's theatre world with our digital flip-through of the April edition of London Theatre Magazine, including interviews, reviews, and insights.

*Doctor Who*'s Ncuti Gatwa and Sharon D Clarke are set to star in a new production of Oscar Wilde's comedy *The Importance of Being Earnest* at London's National Theatre. The production will open on 20 November.

Wilde's play will be directed Max Webster (*Macbeth, Life of Pi*), who is making his National Theatre debut.

The cast includes Richard Cant (*Stan & Ollie, Mary Queen of Scots*) as Reverend Canon Chasuble, Sharon D Clarke (*Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Doctor Who*) as Lady Bracknell,...

Sharon D Clarke and Ncuti Gatwa to star in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' in London

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Oscar Wilde's famous play about false identities will be directed by Max Webster, who is making his National Theatre debut. Performances start on 20 November.


The party's over soon. [*Priscilla The Party!*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37378-priscilla-the-party) will close in London, playing its final performance at HERE at Outernet on 26 May.

Adapted from the Academy Award-winning film and multi-award-winning musical, both titled *Priscilla,  Queen of the Desert*, *Priscilla The Party!* tells the story of three friends who go on a road trip seeking fame and fortune.

*Priscilla The Party!* allows audiences to either stand on the dance floor...

'Priscilla the Party' to close in London

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The immersive production adapted from the hit film *Priscilla, Queen of the Desert* and same-named musical has played at HERE at Outernet since 3 March.

New British musical *Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)* has extended performances by seven weeks at the Criterion Theatre in the West End. The show is now booking until 31 August.

Jim Barne and Kit Buchan's musical transferred to the West End earlier this month, following a sold-out, extended run at London's Kiln Theatre.

The production stars Olivier Award winner Sam Tutty (*Dear Evan Hansen*) as Dougal and Dujonna Gift (*Hamilton, Caroline or Change, Motown: The Musical*) as Robin....

'Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)' extends performances through August 2024

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Olivier Award winner Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift star in this adorable two-hander by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan. Performances have been extended to 31 August.

See the circle of life in the West End, as [*The Lion King*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/302-the-lion-king) continues performances at the [Lyceum Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/lyceum-theatre). *The Lion King* tickets are now available to 17 Jun. 2023. Book *The Lion King* tickets on London Theatre.

Based on the Disney animated film, *The Lion King* musical follows Simba as he becomes King of the Pride Lands. *The Lion King* musical features songs such as “Hakuna Matata,” “Shadowland,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” [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 at the Lyceum Theatre.

Book *The Lion King* tickets on London Theatre.

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*Photo credit: The Lion King (Photo courtesy of production)*

‘The Lion King’ tickets available through June 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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Production shot of The Lion King in London.

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Production shot of The Lion King in London, showing cheetah and giraffes.

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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

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. 

__Assisted performances__

Relaxed: Sunday 30 June 2024 at 1.30pm

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.

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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

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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 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.

‘The Lion King’ tickets available through June 2023

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