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.

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

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Dynamic Earth partners with Scottish Water to deliver Water Cycle Workshops

Dynamic Earth is to join Science Centres across Scotland to deliver Water Cycle Workshops as part of Scottish Water's Generation H2O education programme.

Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2025 programme announced

The Edinburgh Cocktail Week programme for 2025 has been announced, reaffirming its status as the UK’s leading cocktail festival.

Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Scotland

Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.

20 expert sessions at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be packed with expert speakers when it returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston on 4th – 5th October 2025.

A Taste of Loch Lomond Book launches with live cooking demo at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival

Love Loch Lomond will officially launch its new publication, A Taste of Loch Lomond – Stories and Flavours from the Bonnie Banks, at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 7th September.

DF Concerts Celebrate Biggest Summer in Edinburgh

DF Concerts is celebrating a record-breaking month after selling more than 356,000 tickets in Edinburgh during August 2025.

Forever Edinburgh launches winter phase of Stay Different campaign

Forever Edinburgh has launched the winter phase of its ‘Stay Different’ campaign, inviting visitors to discover an entirely different side of the city during the colder months.

Seriously fun ideas for your work Christmas Party

It might only be September, but the C-word is not too far away, so it's time to start thinking about planning the annual office Christmas shindig before everything gets booked up!

Collective Gala returns this weekend

Collective is delighted to announce the return of the Collective Gala, offering a free and vibrant celebration of art, music, food and tours across Calton Hill this Sunday.

GRAHAM brings female focused ConstructHER programme to Edinburgh

Following the success of its flagship female apprenticeship scheme in Glasgow, leading construction company GRAHAM is launching its ConstructHER programme in Edinburgh this autumn.

Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month

Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.

St James Quarter announces year long partnership with Children First

St James Quarter, Edinburgh’s leading retail and lifestyle destination, has today announced a new 12-month charity partnership with Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.

Casting annouced for Inside No 9 Stage Fright

Full casting has been announced for the UK tour of Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith’s Inside No.9 Stage/Fright, coming to Edinburgh Playhouse in November.

Casting Announced for Top Hat Musical

The Chichester Festival Theatre Production of Irving Berlin’s Top Hat has announced the cast for the 2025 UK tour which opens at the Edinburgh Playhouse from 30th September 2025.

Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland

Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.

September at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Masterclasses to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in September!

Quasquicentennial celebrations for Glenogle Baths

Edinburgh Leisure’s Glenogle Swim Centre marks a major milestone this September, its quasquicentennial anniversary with a celebration event attended by the Lord Provost.

From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!

The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.

National Galleries of Scotland reveals original plans for swimming baths under the building

Marking 175 years since Prince Albert laid the foundation stone of the National on 30 August 1850, the National Galleries of Scotland has shared its fascinating original building plans.

Cineworld announces first ever Big Screen Weekend

Cineworld's Big Screen Weekend is here! Turning the last weekend of summer into the UK's biggest celebration of cinema, with all films, all formats – for just £4, including booking fee.

Edinburghs Hogmanay announces 2025 headliner

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have announced indie-rock outfit Wet Leg as 2025’s Concert in the Gardens headliners.

Two Edinburgh based artists chosen for first residency at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Royal Collection Trust is today announcing an artist residency for the upcoming major exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance at The King’s Gallery.

Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025

The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.

Conifox Adventure Park Ultimate Halloween Festival returns

Conifox Adventure Park has announced the return of Edinburgh’s Ultimate Halloween Festival with the UK’s first-ever Laser Show over a Pumpkin Patch.

One Week To Go: Lammermuir Festival 2025

The Lammermuir Festival opens on Thursday 4th September in the beautiful, historic county of East Lothian, offering wonderful music played by some of the world’s finest musicians!

Myths and Legends come alive under the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

This September, step beneath the Royal Mile and into a world where history and folklore entwine, as The Real Mary King’s Close unveils its brand-new “Myths and Legends Tour”.

Free wedding cake competition launched in Edinburgh

Ben & Jerry's will be selecting a lucky couple tying the knot this September to receive the ultimate Brookies & Cream Sundae tower for their wedding.

COSMO Edinburgh Wins Buffet Restaurant of the Year at the Food Awards Scotland 2025

COSMO Edinburgh has been crowned ‘Buffet Restaurant of the Year’ at the prestigious Food Awards Scotland 2025!

Edinburgh Bar Awards Announces 2025 Longlist with 150 Nominees

The one-month countdown is officially on for one of the biggest nights in Scotland’s hospitality calendar - the Edinburgh Bar Awards 2025, as the longlist of nominees is revealed.