The Lion King roars past Cats to become the West End’s 5th longest running musical EVER! Disney’s The Lion King has hit a major milestone, becoming the 5th longest running musical to ever play in London's West End. The show beats Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats, which was a record-breaker in its day as the longest-running musical. Cats opened at the New London Theatre, now the Gillian Lynne Theatre, in May 1981 and closed 21 years later in May 2002, chalking up an impressive 8,949 performances. The show was London's longest-running musical from 1989, when it surpassed Andrew Lloyd Webber's other hit musical at the time, Jesus Christ Superstar, to October 2006, when it was beaten by Les Miserables. Now, as at April 2024, Disney's mega-hit musical The Lion King has played for 9,638 performances, well surpassing Cats. The milestone had gone unchecked, with Society of London Theatre figures for September 2023 only marking the show as 8,897, a figure that hadn't been updated in that latest round of stats. It means that London's longest-running musicals list is now ranked with Les Miserables in the top spot, followed by The Phantom of the Opera, Blood Brothers, Mamma Mia!, The Lion King and then Cats. Overall, Disney's The Lion King is the 7th longest-running show in West End history, with the list also including The Mousetrap and The Woman in Black. Another West End record-breaker coming up fast is Mamma Mia! The show celebrated its 25th anniversary this weekend, and sits in the Number Four slot of longest-running musicals, just behind Blood Brothers, which played 10,013 performances. By our reckoning, it should take the Number Three spot this summer. This October The Lion King marks another important milestone, having played for 25 years at the Lyceum Theatre in the West End. The 25th anniversary celebrations will include a community garden at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in July 2024. Named "The Circle of Life" , the garden will feature live performances from The Lion King and interactive activities through the week. More than 19 million people have seen The Lion King in London, with every performance needing 150 people to put on the show, including 50 on stage and 100 backstage, along with 232 puppets and 350 costumes. Disney's The Lion King is now booking at the Lyceum Theatre to 19 October 2024. Book tickets to Disney's The Lion King in London
Disney’s The Lion King to celebrate 25th birthday with RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival community garden This summer, hit West End musical Disney’s The Lion King will present a community garden at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. "The Circle of Life" garden will celebrate 25 years of the award-winning West End musical, which first opened at the Lyceum Theatre on 19 October 1999. More than 19 million people have seen The Lion King in London, with every performance needing 150 people to put on the show, including 50 on stage and 100 backstage, along with 232 puppets and 350 costumes. "The Circle of Life" garden will take place at the Royal Horticultural Society's annual Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival from 2 to 7 July 2024, and feature rousing live performances and interactive activities throughout the week. The garden will be designed by leading garden designer Juliet Sargeant, and filled with vibrant, drought-tolerant flowers, to reflect the bright colours of Julie Taymor’s design, and dusty red soil will be planted with swathes of resilient grasses to reflect the Pridelands. It will be surrounded by a wildlife-friendly dry hedge, to create a traditional Boma providing a communal meeting place for visitors to enjoy. The ‘Circle of Life’ will be echoed throughout the garden, creating balance and harmony, whilst a large silk ‘sunrise’ will provide a colourful and theatrical boundary focal point. Climate resilient plants and trees such as Bulbinella frutescens 'Sunset Orange, 'Zanthoxyllum simulans (Szechuan pepper), Kniphofia varieties, Zelkova serrata, Savannah Ruby Grass, and Gleditsia Skyline (Honey Locust) will offer practical, drought-tolerant take-home ideas for show visitors to plant in their own outdoor spaces. The designer of The Lion King garden, Juliet Sargeant, said in a statement: “The Circle of Life” is a great theme for a garden-maker! I am having such fun, working with the talented Lion King team to create a colourful and stimulating space for Lion King fans to celebrate 25 years of the iconic West End show. The parched landscape of the African savanna is a continuous backdrop to the drama on stage and it has provided me with an inspirational well-spring, from which to create a drought-tolerant garden with practical ideas for people to take home.” The role of Scar in the West End has been played by George Asprey for 16 years, and as a keen amateur gardener, he said: “I find gardening gives you such a strong connection to nature and the seasons: what to sow in different soil types and when to sow it. I find I’m much more aware of the changing cycles around me – not just in my garden, but also when I go on walks, or even when I notice the trees around town. My garden is a place I can truly lose myself, a relief from the stress and strains of the modern world. I hope this garden at Hampton Court offers visitors the same respite. During lockdown when the theatres closed, I joined a lawn care company. The work was hard and the hours were long, but I loved it. Creating beautiful spaces and maintaining them gave me a huge sense of pride; it was a time I will never forget. The Lion King at its heart is about respect for nature's equilibrium and existing in harmony within it." Disney's The Lion King is now booking at the Lyceum Theatre to 19 October 2024. Book tickets to Disney's The Lion King in London Disney’s The Lion King extends in the West End to October 2024 Disney in the UK has extended its long-running musical Disney's The Lion King at the West End's Lyceum Theatre in London. The Lion Kinghas added new dates, and is now booking to 19 October 2024. Disney's The Lion King is directed by Julie Taymor, and features music by Sir Elton John, and lyrics by Sir Tim Rice. The current cast includes Owen Chaponda as Simba and Merryl Ansah as Nala, alongside George Asprey as Scar, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, Gary Jordan as Zazu, Jamie McGregor as Timon, Thenjiwe Thendiva Nofemele as Rafiki, Mark Roper as Pumbaa, Mark Tatham as Ed, Rhiane Drummond as Shenzi, and Jorell Coiffic-Kamall as Banzai. More than 110 million people have experienced the show worldwide, since it premiered on Broadway in 1997 and opened in London in 1999, winning over 70 major awards including six Tony Awards. Disney also recently announced that it's smash-hit musical Frozen at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London has also extended its booking period, to 8 September 2024, although this will be the final extension for Frozen in the West End. Book tickets to The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
Disney extends Frozen The Musical and The Lion King in the West End Disney in the UK has announced that its two big West End musicals - Frozen at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and Disney's The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre - have extended their runs. Frozen is extending its booking to 7 January 2024; andThe Lion Kingis adding more dates to now run to 11 February 2024. Frozen has music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, a book by Jennifer Lee, and is directed by Michael Grandage. The cast includes Samantha Barks as Elsa, Emily Lane as Anna, Djavan van de Fliert as Kristoff, Craig Gallivan as Olaf, Oliver Ormson as Hans, Richard Frame as Duke of Weselton, and alternating the role of Sven, Mikayla Jade and Ashley Birchall. The Lion King is directed by Julie Taymor, and features music by Sir Elton John, and lyrics by Sir Tim Rice. The cast includes Owen Chaponda as Simba and Merryl Ansah as Nala, alongside George Asprey as Scar, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, Gary Jordan as Zazu, Jamie McGregor as Timon, Thenjiwe Thendiva Nofemele as Rafiki, Mark Roper as Pumbaa, Mark Tatham as Ed, Rhiane Drummond as Shenzi, and Jorell Coiffic-Kamall as Banzai. Book tickets to Frozen at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane Book tickets to The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
Disney’s live action The Little Mermaid trailer breaks records Last week Disney dropped the full trailer for its forthcoming live action remake of animated classic The Little Mermaid. And it nearly broke the internet! According to Disney, The Little Mermaid's initial full trailer garnered over 108 million worldwide views within the first 24 hours of its release, making it one of the most viewed trailers for any Disney live-action remake and the largest for a Disney live-action film since The Lion King in early 2019. The trailer was launched at last week's Oscars, when Halle Bailey(who plays Ariel) and Melissa McCarthy (who plays Ursula) introduced the spot. Directed by Rob Marshall, The Little Mermaid opens in the UK on 26 May 2023. The movie has an updated score by Alan Menken, including four new songs, and a new song with lyrics from Lin-Manuel Miranda. The movie also stars Javier Bardem, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay and Jonah Hauer-King. Book tickets to Disney's live action stage shows in London: Disney's The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre in London Disney's Frozen at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London Disney's Newsies at the Troubadour Theatre Wembley Park in London Watch The Little Mermaid trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpGo2_d3oYE
Sir Tim Rice to join BBC Maestro’s platform Sir Tim Rice is the latest name set to join BBC Maestro’s platform of world-class experts, sharing backstage access to the world of musical theatre, songwriting and performance. In this exclusive online course for BBC Maestro, Sir Tim, one of the few people to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award, will break down his creative process from initial idea to final performance, sharing invaluable insights and an unrivalled understanding of what’s needed to make it in musicals. The lyric-writing legend behind Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Aladdin, The Wizard of Oz and The Lion King, Sir Tim is synonymous with musicals throughout Broadway and the West End, his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Elton John recognised as some of the most influential in musical theatre history. Spanning over 20 lessons, those keen to break into the genre will learn to hone their storytelling through writing, performing and collaborating. In addition to in-depth break downs of Sir Tim’s most beloved songs, the course will feature technical guidance on the art of performance, essential steps to crafting a timeless musical, and the business of writing for film – including both Disney and Bond. Lessons will cover hard-earned guidance on financing creative projects, advice on handling career setbacks, and explore the shared DNA between musicals, pop and rock. Renowned names from the world of musical theatre will accompany Sir Tim to share advice on the process needed to create a compelling performance on stage. Detailed course notes will offer practical tips and interactive exercises to further develop aspiring lyricists and performers’ musical toolkit. “Your musical theatre journey can start anywhere, never let an opportunity pass you by – no matter how small it may seem. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat originally began as a 15-minute end-of-term play for a school. It’s been a pleasure to share my experience with BBC Maestro in the hope it will inspire a new generation of writers and performers and to give their ideas and lyrics a chance to shine.” said Rice. Sir Tim’s course on Writing and Performing Musical Theatre will be available later this summer via bbcmaestro.com. The BBC Maestro platform features a series of extended, in-depth lessons filmed in 4K with an eclectic mix of prestigious experts and allows participants to explore new areas of learning from the comfort of their own home. The commercial online education platform developed and operated by Maestro Media Ltd offers individual courses which can be purchased for £80, and annual subscriptions for £110. Tim Rice on BBC Maestro
Owen Chaponda and Merryl Ansah to star in The Lion King in the West End of London Owen Chaponda and Merryl Ansah have been announced to take over the roles of Simba and Nala in Disney's The Lion King in London. The award-winning West End production of Disney’s The Lion King will welcome Owen Chaponda (Back to the Future; The Colour Purple) and Merryl Ansah (Heathers; Crazy for You), who will step into the iconic roles of ‘Simba’ and ‘Nala’, this spring on 9 May 2023. This will mark their return to the show, both having previously performed in the ensemble in the West End production. Owen Chaponda said, "Taking over the role of Simba in the West End is unbelievably exciting. I loved every minute of being in the show as an ensemble member so returning as such an iconic character is a real dream come true. Simba is a diverse character , his playfulness in contrast to his soft and vulnerable side is extremely fun to play with, he is young and full of energy but also has this huge emotional journey that he embarks on with his father Mufasa, his uncle Scar and his best friend Nala every night. He really needs Nala’s help to do that growing up so taking on the role with Merryl as she grows into Nala too will really add an extra level on and off stage which i can't wait explore" Merryl Ansah said, “Nala is amazing! She’s such a strong female character who leads with integrity and also allows herself to be vulnerable while really holding the Pridelands together. She has her own journey with the lionesses as well as with Simba and I’m excited for both those parts of the role. I cannot wait to be back in this show, and, not only that, to be stepping into the role at the same time as Owen joins makes it an even more special journey for us both. We're ready to take the Pridelands together!" The production will also welcome Rhiane Drummond as Shenzi, Jorell Coiffic-Kamall as Banzai, along with new ensemble cast members: Gibsa Bah, Shaquille Brush, Stedroy Cabey, Nikki Cheung, Kat Collings, Marlee Jay, Tomas Larraguivel, Gennaro Maffettone, Lanya Matthews, Daniel Mejia, Sipho Mlombile, Ntethelelo Nhlapo, Dillan Hope Suttle and Francesca Thompson. They will begin performances on Tuesday 9 May. The new cast will join a uniquely international company of over 50 actors, dancers and singers from 15 countries from around the world, led by, George Asprey as Scar, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, Gary Jordan as Zazu, Jamie McGregor as Timon, Thenjiwe Thendiva Nofemele as Rafiki, Mark Roper as Pumbaa and Mark Tatham as Ed. Since the UK premiere in 1999, The Lion King London has entertained more than 18 million theatre goers at its home at the Lyceum Theatre and is the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time. The show is currently booking at the Lyceum until 15 October 2023. Book tickets to Disney's The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre London.
Disney’s Coco to be a Broadway musical Disney Theatrical are working on a big new Broadway musical version of Coco - which will hopefully also come to London's West End. L. Steven Taylor announced the news at Disney's recent "Disney on Broadway" concert series at EPCOT. Broadway actress and singer Mandy Gonzalez also sang 'Remember Me' from the animated film version of Coco, which came out in 2017 produced by Disney's Pixar Animation Studios. A stage musical of Coco would be the first Pixar movie to be turned into a show, opening up the possibility for more shows from the Pixar library including Toy Story and The Incredibles. The Coco movie was based on an original idea and directed by Lee Unkrich, and co-directed by Adrian Molina. The film starred the voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Renée Victor, Ana Ofelia Murguía and Edward James Olmos. In Coco, a 12-year-old boy called Miguel is accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead, where he gets help from his long deceased musician great-great-grandfather to return him to his family, and to reverse his family's ban on music. Disney are no stranger to stage musicals - with Disney's The Lion King, and Disney's Frozen The Musical both currently playing in the West End.
