THE LION KING Becomes Highest Grossing Show in QPAC History

Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) today announced the Brisbane season of The Lion King has smashed box office records making it the highest grossing show in the Centre's 30 year history.

The production also had the second highest total audience for any show presented over the three decades.

Over 271,000 attended The Lion King in QPAC's Lyric Theatre during the four month Queensland premiere season, which officially opened on 26 September 2014 and closed last Sunday 25 January 2015.

QPAC's Chief Executive John Kotzas said the figures reflected Queenslanders' appetite for landmark musical productions.

"The anticipation for The Lion King was so high the Brisbane season was almost sold out prior to opening.

"The Lion King now holds the new record for the highest box office earnings for any show since QPAC's opening in 1985.

"A large number of visitors, more than a third, came from outside Brisbane -- from regional Queensland, interstate and overseas. Musical theatre continues to be a major driver of cultural tourism.

"Congratulations to Disney on the resounding success of The Lion King in Brisbane. Queenslanders have once again shown their desire to see blockbuster musicals and we look forward to working with Disney again," said Mr Kotzas.

Executive Producer, The Lion King, James Thane, said the company was delighted in the way Queenslanders embraced the Brisbane premiere season of the show.

"From the unprecedented demand when we first went on sale, to the full houses and audience appreciation throughout the season, the response has been phenomenal.

"On behalf of Disney and the entire company of The Lion King I would like to sincerely thank Queensland audiences and all of the QPAC team for their enthusiasm and warmth for Julie Taymor's visionary stage event," said Mr Thane.

The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway, London's West End, Hamburg, Tokyo, Madrid, Sao Paulo, and on tour across North America, the U.K., and Japan. This Australian production will open next in Melbourne on 19 February 2015.

Photo Credit: Nick Afoa as Simba. Photo by Deen Van Meer.