With a cast of more than 50 actors, singers and dancers, the story of The Lion King is miraculously brought to life using masks, puppets and striking costumes to tell the story of Simba’s epic adventures as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and becoming king.
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.
Ticket information
· VeryMe Rewards by Vodafone presale: Friday 31 January 2020 at 8am
· ATG Card and Groups Priority on sale: Monday 3 February 2020 at 8am
· ATG and Disney sign up list priority: Tuesday 4 February 2020 at 8am
· General on sale: Thursday 6 February 2020 at 8am
· Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.atgtickets.com/manchester or www.thelionking.co.uk
Performance information:
· Previews: Thursday 22 October – Sunday 1 November
· Premiere/Press Night: Tuesday 3 November 2020 at 7.30pm
· Signed Performances: Thursday 5 November 2020 at 7.30pm
· Captioned Performances: Tuesday 17 November 2020 at 7.30pm
· Audio Described Performances: Thursday 3 December 2020 at 7.30pm
· Relaxed performance: Sunday 31st Jan 2021 at 1.30pm
