Merryl Ansah and Owen Chaponda. Picture: ©Disney
Owen Chaponda and Merryl Ansah will step into the iconic roles of Simba and Nala in the award-winning West End production of Disney’s The Lion King this spring.
Both former members of the ensemble at the Lyceum Theatre, Chaponda (Back to the Future: The Musical, Manchester Opera House, The Color Purple, Leicester Curve) and Ansah (Crazy For You, Chichester Festival Theatre, Heathers, UK tour) will return to the Lyceum stage as lead actors from 9 May 2023.
Commenting on their new starring roles, 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 to explore.”
Ansah added: “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!”
Alongside Chaponda and Ansah, 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.
The newcomers will join the 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.
Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King premiered in London in October 1999 where it has entertained over 18 million theatregoers.
Julie Taymor’s internationally-celebrated stage adaptation of Disney’s much-loved animated film premiered on Broadway in 1997. The Lion King has made theatrical history with three productions worldwide running 15 or more years and a further three productions running 20 or more years.
Featuring Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from the original animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice, the multi-award-winning stage production includes additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from ‘Rhythm of the Pride Lands’, an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer.
The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature along with Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay. Other members of the creative team include: Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), Antony Lyn (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian (production supervisor) and Pippa Ailion (casting). Anne Quart serves as co-producer.
Angela Thomas
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