Theatre News

Casting announced for Lion King‘s first ever UK tour

| London's West End |

18 June 2012

Disney has announced full casting for the first ever UK tour of The Lion King, which opens on 31 August at Bristol’s Hippodrome Theatre.

Members of the cast hail from 12 different countries with the roles of Young Simba and Young Nala to be played by local talent.

The company is made up of 46 members including Cleveland Cathnott, who is currently part of the London company of The Lion King and will be playing the role of Mufasa. Stephen Carlile will take on the role of Scar while Nicholas Nkuna makes his UK debut as Simba. Carol Stenett will continue her role as Nala from the West End production and Gugwana Dlamini will return to her previous role of Rafiki.

Other actors to join the cast consist of John Hasler (Timon), Mark Roper (Pumbaa), Gbemisola Ikumelo (Shenzi), Daniel Norford (Banzai) and Philip Oakland (Ed).

The Lion King has now played in 15 different countries and been translated into 6 different languages. The UK tour will be the 20th production to premiere internationally.

– Julianna Fazio