Angel Theatre

Back in 1994 audiences around the world were captivated by the plight of Simba the lion cub in Disney’s The Lion King, one of the most successful animated movies of the 90s. From the moment that Elton John’s The Circle Of Life begins to the moment that the credits start to role audiences are captivated by 89 minutes of emotional fun. It also featured a well known voice cast from the likes of Rowan Atkinson to James Earl Jones and Jonathon Taylor Thomas. It’s no wonder it’s remembered as a classic even to this day.

Back in 1999 audiences were invited to relive the experience of watching The Lion King for the first time when a stage musical version of the hit film opened at the Lyceum Theatre to deafening applause. Everything returned, including the epic opening sequence as The Circle Of Life explodes onto the stage and Simba is born and revealed to the Pride Land. It originated in the United States where a Broadway version of the hit film was inevitable, opening in 1997 at the New Ambassador’s Theatre in New York. It received popular press from audiences and critics alike, so it was only a matter of time before the West End was treated to this brand new musical.

Since then, the show has been the talk of the town and has appeared at the Royal Variety Performance twice in its decade on the stage. The most recent of these appearances was in December 2008 when its second appearance put it in the history books. The entire cast was there, performing the Circle Of Life number in front of an amazed crowd.

The show may open with The Circle Of Life, but it progresses on with a highly dramatic plot. From the moment Simba is born we witness his life as he grows up under the watchful eye of his father, King Mufasa. However, the story is inspired by William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and soon enough tragedy strikes with the death of Mufasa at the hands of Simba’s scheming uncle Scar. The evil lion blames the death on Simba, and being a child he is scared away into hiding where he remains for many years.

It is later in his life that Simba realises he must face his past, return to the Pride Land and face Scar once and for all.

Book your theatre tickets to The Lion King and see for yourself what a great show it is.