CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

The Lion King returns to the Edinburgh Playhouse

The Edinburgh Playhouse in coordination with The Walt Disney Company UK has today announced that the award-winning musical THE LION KING will roar back into Edinburgh next summer.

The Lion King returns to the Edinburgh Playhouse

Article Source: Edinburgh Playhouse
Last Updated: 18 November 2021 10:03

Disney are delighted to return to Scotland’s capital for a strictly limited run from 2nd June to 2 July 2022. The cast of over 50 actors, singers and dancers are thrilled to return to the Playhouse stage for the only Scottish dates of the tour.

Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Friday 3 December at www.atgtickets.com/edinburgh

The story of THE LION KING roars into life using spectacular masks, puppets, and costumes to tell the story of Simba's epic adventures, as he struggles with the responsibilities of adulthood and becoming king.

Theatre Director Colin Marr shares his thoughts: "It’s a real pleasure to be able to welcome the return of Disney's The Lion King to the Edinburgh Playhouse.

We were in the last few weeks of its record breaking five month run when we were forced to close our doors in March 2020.

To see this powerful and emotional show return here is great for Scottish audiences.”


Having played in more than 100 cities in 20 countries on every continent except Antarctica, THE LION KING’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history. The landmark musical, which has now been seen by over 110 million people worldwide, last visited Edinburgh Playhouse in 2019.

THE LION KING touring company will be welcoming Stephenson Ardern-Sodje as Simba (images and video of his journey to the Pridelands here) and Nokwanda Khuzwayo as Nala, who previously played the role in Germany and Brazil. Ireland’s Alan Mchale will be returning in a new role as Timon with Cardiff born newcomer Owain Rhys Davies taking the role of Ed. They will join returning principals Matthew Forbes as Zazu, Jean-Luc Guizonne as Mufasa, Richard Hurst as Scar, Rebecca Omogbehin as Shenzi, Thandazile Soni as Rafiki, Carl Sanderson as Pumbaa and Simon Trinder as Banzai.

The UK & Ireland tour cast also includes: Lwando Bam, Mamido Bomboko Souchu, Khanyisani Beato, Jorell Coiffic-Kamall, Rushand Chambers, Tau-En Chien, Elisa Chou, Tevin Daniel, Tim Driesen, Oraine Frater, Adebunmi Gabriel, Brian Gilligan, Daniel Griffith, Alicia Hayward, Zalika Henry, Caleaf Henson, Olivia Jones, Melvin Le Blanc, Jochebel Maccarthy, Zanele Mazibuko, Fallon Mondlane, Zanele Ndlovu, Buhle Nkomo, Craig Pedro, Joaquin Pedro Valdes, Connor Pelé Williams, Tara Price, Kyle Richardson, Cristiane Santos De Jesus, Lukin Simmonds, Sherry Tay, Francesca Thompson, Maria Yim and Bukiwe Zinganto.

Julie Taymor’s internationally celebrated stage adaptation of THE LION KING opened on Broadway in 1997 and 25 global productions in nine different languages have been created since then (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese). The Lion King is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher.

The previous tour of THE LION KING broke attendance records across the nation. Since the UK premiere in 1999, THE LION KING London has entertained more than 16 million theatregoers and is the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time.

The stunning artistry of the production is the work of a team of designers which drew on diverse cultural influences to recreate the rich colours and vast expanses of the African savanna in this daring and inspiring reinvention of one of the most successful animated feature films of all time.

Julie Taymor, one of the world’s most innovative directors, brought a vast array of disciplines to THE LION KING, including extensive experience staging epic theatre and opera productions, exploring classic myths through ritualised puppetry, mask, and movement. The Lion King was the first musical Taymor directed in the commercial theatre and she made Broadway history by becoming the first woman to win the Tony Award® for Best Director of a Musical.

The Broadway show’s full creative team, which won five Tony Awards® for its work on The Lion King, reunited in 1999 to recreate the show in London. Julie Taymor and Michael Curry created hundreds of masks and puppets.

Scenic design is by British designer Richard Hudson and lighting is by Donald Holder. Costume design is by Julie Taymor, and choreography by Garth Fagan. The book was adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated feature and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay.

The original score from the animated film was expanded for the stage and now features 15 musical numbers. As well as writing completely new songs, South African composer Lebo M created an evocative blend of African rhythms and chorales, with additional material by Julie Taymor and Mark Mancina.

Elton John and Tim Rice have added three new numbers to the five that they wrote for the award-winning score of the animated film. The resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, including the Academy Award®-winning Can You Feel The Love Tonight and the haunting Shadowland.

Image Credit:by Brinkoff and Mogenburg

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
RSPB
City Of Glasgow Chorus
One Ren
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
Cancer Research UK
Glasgow Music City Tours

Latest Glasgow News

Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book

Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book

Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.

READ MORE
University of Strathclyde retain the Glasgow Taxis Cup

University of Strathclyde retain the Glasgow Taxis Cup

University of Strathclyde were crowned winners of Scotland's largest student varsity sporting competition, the Glasgow Taxis Cup, for the third time since 2022.

READ MORE
Glasgow bus tour unveils hidden gems

Glasgow bus tour unveils hidden gems

An open-top bus company is offering a new tour of Glasgow, highlighting its hidden gems and maritime history.

READ MORE
Glasgow 850: Citizens Invited to Unleash Their Inner Poet and Join the Great Big Glasgow Poem!

Glasgow 850: Citizens Invited to Unleash Their Inner Poet and Join the Great Big Glasgow Poem!

Glasgow's 850th birthday celebrations have taken on a poetic twist with the launch of the Great Big Glasgow Poem, encouraging every Glaswegian to contribute a line to a collective masterpiece!

READ MORE
Sinitta and Darren Day join the cast of CHICAGO

Sinitta and Darren Day join the cast of CHICAGO

Darren Day and Sinitta will join Strictly star Janette Manrara when CHICAGO comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in August!

READ MORE
Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops

Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops

Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.

READ MORE
Glasgow 850: More shows and festival showcase acts announced as part of Clyde Chorus

Glasgow 850: More shows and festival showcase acts announced as part of Clyde Chorus

Clyde Chorus, part of Glasgow 850, is thrilled to unveil its festival showcase acts, featuring an eclectic mix of talent that celebrates Glasgow’s rich and diverse musical heritage.

READ MORE
JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup

JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!

READ MORE
VR experience at Glasgow Central station aims to help combat sexual harassment on the railway

VR experience at Glasgow Central station aims to help combat sexual harassment on the railway

Immersive VR film at Glasgow Central station invites passengers to find out how they can help to tackle sexual harassment on the railways.

READ MORE
Rainbocorns letter hunt in Smyths Toys Stores this April!

Rainbocorns letter hunt in Smyths Toys Stores this April!

Smyths Toys is hosting the official Rainbocorns Easter Letter Hunt giving kids the chance to hunt down the letters instore and unscramble the word to receive a FREE 8cm Rainbocorns Eggzania Baby Mania

READ MORE
Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington brings his new tour to Glasgow

Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington brings his new tour to Glasgow

Kai Widdrington, renowned professional dancer across the UK and Ireland, is set to bring his highly anticipated dance tour, Kai - Evolution to Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre!

READ MORE
Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month

Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month

More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.

READ MORE
Global fashion retail brand Hollister confirmed for Silverburn Glasgow

Global fashion retail brand Hollister confirmed for Silverburn Glasgow

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced that global fashion retailer Hollister is set to join its line-up of leading fashion brands this summer.

READ MORE
Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow return to defend their title in national poetry competition

Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow return to defend their title in national poetry competition

Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow, crowned Slam Masters and Individual winners at the Scottish Youth Poetry Slam, will return to this year’s competition to defend their title.

READ MORE
Govan Music Festival opens today with song inspired by life saving Glasgow society

Govan Music Festival opens today with song inspired by life saving Glasgow society

This year's programme showcases the diversity, talent and passion of the historic Glasgow district, with one show featuring a song inspired by local lifesaving outfit, the Glasgow Humane Society.

READ MORE
Scottish comedy venues offers funded fringe for new comedian

Scottish comedy venues offers funded fringe for new comedian

Scottish comedy venue Blackfriars of Bell Street has joined forces with Brass Tacks Comedy to offer a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for Scottish comedian Jack Traynor.

READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival celebrates its 21st edition with over 33,000 attendances

Glasgow Film Festival celebrates its 21st edition with over 33,000 attendances

Stellar lineup of Hollywood stars including Toni Collette, Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, James McAvoy and Tim Roth lit up the city alongside a programme of free films and events for the community.

READ MORE
Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring

Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring

To coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.

READ MORE
Scottish entrepreneurs launch groundbreaking whisky brand focused on accessibility, community, and innovation

Scottish entrepreneurs launch groundbreaking whisky brand focused on accessibility, community, and innovation

Scottish-based spirits company Necropolis Spirits has unveiled its latest product, The Merchants' Select whisky, marking a bold new chapter in the whisky industry.

READ MORE
Elements announces exclusive wine dinner with Grgich Hills Winery

Elements announces exclusive wine dinner with Grgich Hills Winery

Three AA Rosette Elements restaurant announces exclusive wine dinner with World-renowned Grgich Hills Winery.

READ MORE
Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families

Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families

An organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.

READ MORE
NQ64 celebrates third birthday in Glasgow with bottomless gaming challenge and new daytime hours

NQ64 celebrates third birthday in Glasgow with bottomless gaming challenge and new daytime hours

Neon-lit retro arcade bar, NQ64 is celebrating its third birthday with a brand new Bottomless Gaming challenge, inventive cocktails and expanded daytime operating hours!

READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green

TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green

BBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!

READ MORE
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.

READ MORE
Scotland vs Greece: First Bus Hampden Express to run for huge second leg tie

Scotland vs Greece: First Bus Hampden Express to run for huge second leg tie

First Bus is making it as easy as possible for Scotland fans to get to Hampden and back this Sunday thanks to its dedicated X31 express service!

READ MORE
Five star Crossbasket Castle unveils first look images of new hotel & restaurant

Five star Crossbasket Castle unveils first look images of new hotel & restaurant

The venue has been designed to transport guests back to a magical bygone era, offering an escape from everyday life into a world of indulgence and excitement.

READ MORE
New fried chicken spot lands in Shawlands

New fried chicken spot lands in Shawlands

The wait is over! Birds, the latest venture from the award-winning team behind El Perro Negro, is officially open and serving up some of the best fried chicken Glasgow has to offer!

READ MORE
Brand new Zara now open at Silverburn Glasgow

Brand new Zara now open at Silverburn Glasgow

Global fashion brand Zara has officially opened at Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, with eager shoppers queuing to be the first through the doors.

READ MORE
Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week

Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week

To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.

READ MORE
Shawlands Academy announced winners of Buchanan Galleries and Ahead Partnership Made in Glasgow 2025 Challenge

Shawlands Academy announced winners of Buchanan Galleries and Ahead Partnership Made in Glasgow 2025 Challenge

Team 'BamBrew' from Shawlands Academy have been announced as the winners of the 2025 'Made in Glasgow' enterprise challenge.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

City Sightseeing Glasgow
Renfrewshire Council
WSS Media Scotland
Glasgow City Council
Helensburgh HEART
Scottish Refugee Council
Go Radio

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
RSPB
City Of Glasgow Chorus
One Ren
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
Cancer Research UK
Glasgow Music City Tours
City Sightseeing Glasgow
Renfrewshire Council
WSS Media Scotland
Glasgow City Council
Helensburgh HEART
Scottish Refugee Council
Go Radio

Popular Events

Galactic Carnival
Space-themed fairground Galactic Carnival will return, by popular demand, to Silverburn Shopping Centre between Friday 28th March and Monday 21st April!
On The Green Festival
Whistler On The Green's annual On The Green Festival returns for the Spring Bank Holiday Weekend with Funk & Soul Saturday and Hoedown Sunday!
Enlightenment: An Immersive Light Show
Watch the iconic Merchants House of Glasgow come alive with Enlightenment, a spectacular sound and light show, set to the enchanting melodies of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons!
Day Fever Glasgow
DAY FEVER COMES TO GLASGOW! Yes, that's right! Day Fever, the Saturday daytime disco, that doesn't ruin your Sunday, is returning to BAaD!
Chris Brown
Two-time Grammy winning global R&B superstar Chris Brown will bring his Breezy Bowl XX Tour to Hampden Park on Tuesday 1st July with special guest Bryson Tiller!

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro