On 19 October, Disney’s THE LION KING celebrates 20 years in the West End, cementing its place in theatrical history as one of the most successful and beloved stage musicals of all time.
To celebrate this landmark achievement, THE LION KING will hold a gala performance on Saturday 19 October 2019 at the Lyceum Theatre, in support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Royal Academy of Music. Tickets go on sale at 10am today and can be purchased from www.thelionking.co.uk/gala
Disney Theatrical Productions over the last two years provided scholarships to seven students from diverse backgrounds to study on the Academy’s Musical Theatre MA course, offering them the opportunity to nurture their talent and hone their performance skills. The scholarships illustrate both organisations’ ongoing efforts to redress the underrepresentation of BAME performers in musical theatre.
With an iconic score by original creative team member Sir Elton John, Disney Theatrical Productions is proud to support Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) which aims to combat stigma, prevent infections, provide treatment and services, and motivate governments to end AIDS.
To coincide with the 20th anniversary, the multi award-winning musical is also embarking on a second UK and Ireland tour. THE LION KING opens at The Bristol Hippodrome on 7 September 2019 and will move on to the Edinburgh Playhouse from 5 December 2019. The production will also tour to Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff from 9 July 2020 and further dates will be announced in due course.
The score features Sir Elton John and Sir Tim Rice’s music from THE LION KING animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; 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 resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to the haunting ballad “Shadowland.”
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