The Lion King welcomes a former Simba back to the West End

Stephenson Ardern-Sodje will return to the Lyceum Theatre today (Tuesday 27 January), to lead the London cast of Disney’s The Lion King as Simba.

The actor is scheduled to remain in the role until 3 May 2026. Ardern-Sodje previously performed as Simba in the West End in 2025 and during the production’s tour of the UK and Ireland.

The show, directed by Julie Taymor, is an adaptation of the record-breaking animated film of the same name. Since its Broadway debut in 1997, the musical has seen 29 productions staged globally in nine different languages.

The stage score consists of 15 musical numbers, expanding upon the original film soundtrack, with standards including “The Circle of Life” and “Be Prepared”. Elton John and Tim Rice contributed three additional songs to their existing film compositions, with material and choral elements by Lebo M, and further material by Taymor and Mark Mancina. The book was adapted for the stage by the late Roger Allers, who co-directed the original film, and Irene Mecchi.

The London staging features masks and puppets created by Taymor and Michael Curry, with the creative team also including scenic designer Richard Hudson, lighting designer Donald Holder, costume designer Taymor, and choreographer Garth Fagan.