Kayi Ushe is joining the cast of Disney’s The Lion King as Simba. Picture: James Everett
The West End production of Disney’s The Lion King will welcome 14 new members to its cast of over 50 actors, singers and dancers when the doors at its London home, the Lyceum Theatre, reopen this summer.
Due to reopen from 29 July, the multi-award-winning production which celebrated two decades in the West End in 2019 will add to its uniquely international company with representatives from 17 different countries led by George Asprey as Scar, David Blake as Banzai, Janique Charles as Nala, Gugwana Dlamini as Rafiki, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, Gary Jordan as Zazu, Jamie McGregor as Timon, Melone M’Kenzy as Shenzi and Mark Roper as Pumbaa.
Newcomers include Londoner Kayi Ushe (The Book of Mormon, Kinky Boots) who will take on the role of Simba, and Phil Adèle (Little Shop of Horrors, Our Town) who will make his West End debut in the role of Ed with new ensemble cast members joining from seven countries – Gesztenye Botos, Reece Darlington-Delaire, Shak Gabbidon-Williams, Ryesha Higgs, Candice Holdford, Angela Marie Hurst, Duane Lamonte, Jane Carla Leynes, Deja Linton, Jonathan Lutwyche, Kearabetswe Mogotsi and Taela Yeomans-Brown.
The latest additions to the West End ensemble include four performers returning to the company as adults after previously appearing in the production as young performers – Gabbidon-Williams (Young Simba between 2007 and 2008), Darlington-Delaire (Young Simba 2008-2009), Hurst (Nala in 2001) and Linton (Nala 2009-10).
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 16 million theatregoers. When the Covid-curtain came down on the show on 15 March 2020, over 50 performers and 100 crew had been bringing the magical story to life in front of an audience of 2,200 people every night.
As previously announced and subject to the lifting of restrictions on full capacity performances as planned this summer, the West End’s best-selling stage production and the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time will be back at the Lyceum from 29 July with tickets on sale for individuals for performances up to 3 April 2022 and for groups for performances up to 22 October.
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 original animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice, the 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 make-up design), Antony Lyn (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor), Doc Zorthian (production supervisor) and Pippa Ailion (casting). Anne Quart serves as co-producer.
Angela Thomas
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