Posi Morakinyo and Asha Park-Wallace are taking over the roles of Simba and Nala in the West End’s The Lion King. Picture: Perou
Posi Morakinyo and Asha Parker-Wallace will take over the roles of Simba and Nala in Disney’s The Lion King in the West End in May.
The pair who have just appeared together in the acclaimed Almeida Theatre production of American Psycho will make their debut in one of the West End’s most enduringly popular family shows from 5 May.
Looking forward to joining the production as it celebrates its 27th year in London, Morakinyo (For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, Garrick Theatre) said: “It’s an honour to be taking on the role of Simba in The Lion King. I’m excited to start this new adventure and be a part of this iconic show, sharing the stage with Asha once again.”
Parker-Wallace (Burlesque The Musical, Savoy Theatre) added: “It’s been so much fun working with Posi over the past few months. Now, playing the iconic roles of Simba and Nala on stage together at the Lyceum Theatre is a dream.”
Other new company members from 5 May will include Stuart Neal as Timon, Michael Jeremiah as Banzai and Simone Robinson as Sarabi. Raul Reinoso, Steve Cornwall, Gabrielle de Souza, Lindokuhle Thabede, Marcellus Whyte and Shayna McPherson will join the ensemble.
Featuring a uniquely international cast of over 50 actors, dancers and singers, performances of The Lion King at the musical’s London home – the Lyceum Theatre — began in 1999.
Julie Taymor’s internationally-celebrated stage adaptation of Disney’s much-loved animated film premiered on Broadway in 1997 and has now been seen by over 110 million people worldwide.
Performed in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), the show which has played over 100 cities in 20 countries on every continent except Antarctica, has achieved a worldwide gross that exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.
After winning five Tony Awards for The Lion King on Broadway, the original creative team reunited in 1999 to re-create the show in London. Taymor and Michael Curry created hundreds of masks and puppets for the production which also features scenic design by Richard Hudson, lighting by Donald Holder, costume design by 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 Taymor and Mark Mancina. Elton John and Tim Rice added three new numbers to the five that they wrote for the award-winning score of the animated film.
Angela Thomas
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