The Lion King London: Everything You Need To Know

The Lion King continues to reign London even nearly 26 years later! If you’re planning a trip to London anytime soon and you don’t know where to start, The Lion King is usually a strong start! Here’s everything you need to know about London’s most popular show!

What is The Lion King about?

The Lion King is set in the majestic Serengeti Plains. It is about a brave Lion Cub called Simba. When his evil uncle Scar banishes Simba from his own kingdom, Simba meets a hilarious meerkat named Timon and his warthog pal, Pumba. Soon after, Simba adopts his carefree lifestyle of “Hakuna Matata,” until he realizes his true identity and returns to claim his throne from his evil uncle. The Story is loosely based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet which was originally adapted into a Disney animation before it was in turn, adapted for stage.

When did The Lion King open in London?

The Lion King opened in London back in 1999. It transferred to London following a run on Broadway in 1997 and prior to that, its debut in Minneapolis earlier that same year. Interestingly, the longest-serving cast members are in their 16th year of performances in this production. They are George Asprey and Shaun Escoffery who play Scar and Mufasa respectively.

Where is the theatre?

The venue is The Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ.

When does The Lion King play in London?

Like all West End shows, The Lion King plays 8 shows a week. The evening shows begin at 7.30pm Tuesday – Saturday. The matinee shows are at 2.30pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. These dates can vary slightly around public and bank holidays.

Who is in the London cast of The Lion King?

Stephenson Ardern-Sodje (Hamilton) is currently playing Simba until 28 September 2025. After this, Hope Maine (Disney’s Hercules) will take over the role until the new year. Pierre van Heerden plays Pumbaa alongside Alan McHale as Timon. George Asprey plays Scar with Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, Thenjiwe Nofemele as Rafiki and Gary Jordan as Zazu. Merryl Ansah plays Nala with Jorell Coiffic-Kamall as Banzai, Sadia McEwen as Shenzi and Mark Tatham as Ed.

Currently sharing the role of Young Simba and Young Nala are Nathaniel Morgan Bennett, Noelle Coker, Jackson Daniel-Child, Ebrahim Amaar Joof, Keilah Kofi, Mason Mingle, Jazmyn Lewin and Raphaella Philberrt.

The cast completing the ensemble and swing track to ensure the show keeps in motion are Garry Lake, Barnaby Thompson, Etian A Almedia, Moya Angela, Gibsa Bah, Lwando Bam, Bethany Chan, Stedroy Cabey, Azole Dlamini, Darius Drooh, Lwando Dutyulwa, Maya Elliot, Paola Farei, Adebunmi Gabriel, Gesztenye, Sandile Gontsana, Solomon Gordon, Emily Grace-Ling, Gavin Hart, Donna Hines, Bonginkosi Jay Hlatshwayo, Candice Holdford, Cristiane De Jesus, Robdon De Jesus, Phumelele Jili, Olivia Jones, Tramaine Lamy, Tomas Larraguivel, Lamoi Leon, Jane Carla Leynes, Franciso Lins, Stephanie Tsz Maan Lo, Gennaro Maffettone, Sadie McEwen, Reece McKenzie, Daniel Mejia, Siphosihle Mlombile, Candida Mosoma, Nicholas Nkuna, Ntethelelo Nhlapo, Nosipho Nkonqa, Phindile Nyandeni, Peace Nzirawa, Sethabile Nzuza, Abigail Overmeyer, Andrew Parfitt, Jessica Reeve, Lawrence Rowe, Rochelle Sherona, Dillan Hope Suttle, Jahrel Thomas and Karlene Wray. 

How can I get cheap tickets for The Lion King in London?

Book your cheap tickets with Leicester Square Box Office in advance for the best prices. Typically, the prices increase over weekends and school holidays. As this show is very popular with families, it is also more expensive on the matinee performances. Try to book the show Tuesday-Thursday in the evenings and outside of school holidays where you can.

What age is The Lion King Musical good for?

The Lion King is a great first show for many families and appeals to audiences of all ages. However, there is still an age restriction meaning children under the age of 3 (including babies in arms) will not be admitted into the theatre. Children over 3 can be admitted into the theatre but the theatre recommends the show is appropriate for ages 6+. Additionally, people aged 16 or under must be accompanied by and sat next to an adult for the show.

How long is the show?

The show is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes including an interval.

When should I arrive to the theatre?

For any show, we recommend patrons arrive 45-30 minutes prior to the performance starting. This allows plenty of time to pass the venue’s security checks, to find your seat and use the facilities before the show begins.

Where is best to sit for The Lion King London?

Generally speaking, the price of your ticket reflects the quality of the view. That being said, there are many different factors at play. For example, if you are not particularly tall, the upper circle’s first few rows can be a great choice as they are cheaper and you have fewer people in front of you even though you are in the top level. If, however, you can spend a bit more and are perhaps going to the theatre for a special occasion or even the first time, sitting in the front half of the stalls for this production is a truly unforgettable experience. That being said it is only the opening number in which sitting in the stalls truly elevates your experience so don’t let that deter you from booking the cheaper seats if needs be.

What should I wear?

The theatre doesn’t have a dress code. Whatever you wear should be comfortable and appropriate for the occasion.

How can I get discounted tickets for The Lion King?

The best way to get a discount is by making a group booking. To enquire about making a group booking contact us here and let us know what date you would like to attend, how many people there are and what particular group you are. The group must be 9 or more people and is only valid on select, weekday performances.

How can I get to The Lion King London?

From Leicester Square Box Office, The Lyceum Theatre is only a 10 minute walk away. If you’re headed via the tube the closest station is Covent Garden which is on the Piccadilly line. The second closes station is Charing Cross which is connected by both tube and national rail services. There are also plenty of buses which can can you close to the venue. There is a Q-Park nearby for those of you who wish to drive however you need to book that in advance and remember you may have to pay the congestion charge as well as potentially a ULEZ charge.

We hope that’s answered all your questions on everything you need to know about going to watch The Lion King in London.

The show is currently playing at The Lyceum Theatre and is booking until 29th March 2026

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