Lion King, London

Walt Disney's full length animated feature 'The Lion King' entered the scene in 1994, during a ten year period notable for ending what some considered a surprising dearth of the classic, bread and butter animation integral to Disney enterprises. While the period saw a large number of Disney hits, it was Lion King that, besides making the list of the ten top-grossing animated films ever, became the largest grossing 2D animated film to date. Sequels to the Golden Globe and Academy Award winner were expected. However, it was destined to inspire something different. It came via Disney Theatricals, which cleverly re-conceptualized The Lion King as a stage production featuring bigger-than-life-size puppets, as well as human performers in animal costume.

The family-friendly musical, with its kaleidoscopic sets and large cast, has been described as 'joyous, dazzling and a roaring success.' Besides the stunning costumes, the enchanting dancing, which accompanies the inspirational songs, music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, the production boasts a score by Hans Zimmer.

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The storyline, with its Shakespearean overtones, centres on Simba, the young lion, and the central anthropomorphic figure. Simba's trials, which seems all but insurmountable, given the near-biblical obstacles put in place by the plot's villains, make his ultimate rise from cub to pride leader all the more triumphant.

The musical garnered a Tony award for best musical in 1998 before arriving in Great Britain a year later.

London's Lyceum Theatre, one of London's many west end theatre venues, received the Lion King musical stage production in 1999 with open arms. Lion King, London, the 2011 production, marks the Lyceum's twelfth year of housing the production.

Usual running time for The Lion King is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Evening show times at the Lyceum are Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30pm., with matinees scheduled for Wednesdays at 2pm., Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm and 3pm, respectively. However, from October 5 onwards, matinee show times commence at 2.30pm.

Lion King, London, 2011 production, at the Lyceum Theatre, located on Wellington Street, is the continuation of a longstanding tradition. Families are invited to make it one of theirs.

Lion King, London

Roo Sadegi is a West End critic that spends much of his time reviewing up and coming in London.

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