The Lion King

Synopsis

Based on the 1994 Disney animated film, The Lion King musical is a Tony and Olivier Award winning Broadway and West End musical. The Lion King show has songs by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice along with the musical score created by Hans Zimmer with choral arrangements by Lebo M. The show is directed by Julie Taymor.

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Lion King tells the story of the young lion Prince Simba. When he 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.

A spectacular visual feast, this adaptation transports audiences to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music with Lion King songs including "Circle of Life", "Hakuna Matata", "Shadowland", "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "He Lives in You".

On Broadway the show premiered in 1997 and The Lion King London theatre is the Lyceum Theatre where it opened in 1999 and still plays today.

So for a great evening out book advance official Lion King tickets through Whatsonstage.com today!

PLEASE NOTE: strobe lighting is used several times during the performance. Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted. Children over 3 will be admitted, but they must be able to sit in their own seat quietly throughout the performance. If they become restless, they may be asked to leave the auditorium.

Our Review:

14 September 2011

After 12 years, The Lion King is still playing to packed houses and the Disney juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down. It has its detractors, but as West End family entertainment goes it’s still very hard to beat.

My problems with it have always centred on the book. It feels as if the producers got so sidetracked with the game-changing masks, costumes and sets that they completely forgot to commission an original script, so asked an intern to transcribe the film instead. Familiar gags proliferate - “getting your lions crossed”, “put your behind in your past” etc - and are delivered with an almost palpable weariness.

Another of my bugbears - the dreadful aerial dance sequence in “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” - has now been shelved, as has Zazu’s lame “Morning Report” song in the first act. These cuts are welcome, and mean the (largely young) audience can now leave the Lyceum before 10.30pm.

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Latest User Review

Katie - 14 December 2012:

This is the most amazing musical extravaganza I have ever had the honour of seeing. Even the trailer on www.cheaplionkingtickets.co.uk gives me goosebumps and tears of wonder when I watch it. Never mind the story which is pure Disney. It's the sheer artistry from all corners of the world which converge to make this a truly memorable production....

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