Richard Hudson
Latest News on Richard Hudson:
THE LION KING to Return to Seattle at The Paramount Theatre (Nov 6, 2025)
Experience Disney's THE LION KING in Chicago at Cadillac Palace (Oct 3, 2025)
Video: THE LION KING Celebrates 11,000 Performances on Broadway (Sep 23, 2025)
THE LION KING to Return to Seattle at The Paramount Theatre (Nov 6, 2025)
Experience Disney's THE LION KING in Chicago at Cadillac Palace (Oct 3, 2025)
Video: THE LION KING Celebrates 11,000 Performances on Broadway (Sep 23, 2025)
BIO
Richard Hudson was born in Zimbabwe and educated in Zimbabwe and England. In 1988 he won a Laurence Olivier Award for designing a season of seven plays at the Old Vic Theatre, London. His set designs for The Lion King have won numerous awards, including a Tony® in 1998. He is a Royal Designer for Industry (RDI). In 2003 he won the Gold Medal for Set Design at the Prague Quadriennale, and in 2005 he was given an honorary doctorate by the University of Surrey. He has designed sets and costumes for the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, the Young Vic and the Gate, London. In opera he has worked at the Royal Opera, English National Opera, La Scala Milan, Metropolitan Opera New York, Opera National de Paris, Lyric Opera Chicago, Staatsoper Vienna, Glyndebourne Festival Opera and in Zurich, Munich, Amsterdam, Venice, Florence, Turin, Bregenz, Houston and Washington.
Photos
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Productions
Awards and Nominations
Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Scenic Design of a Play
Richard Hudson, Leopoldstadt
Olivier Awards - 2000 - Best Set Designer
Richard Hudson, The Lion King
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Set Design - Musical
Richard Hudson, The Lion King
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Set Design
Richard Hudson - , The Lion King
winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Scenic Design
Richard Hudson, The Lion King
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Revival-Play
Richard Hudson, The Lion King
Olivier Awards - 1996 - Best Costume Designer
Richard HudsonVolpone
Drama Desk Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Choreography
Richard Hudson, La Bete
Drama Desk Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Set Design
Richard Hudson, La Bete
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1991 - Scenic and Costume Design
Richard Hudson, La Bete
Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Scenic Design
Richard Hudson, La Bête
winner
Olivier Awards - 1988 - Designer of the Year
Richard HudsonPerformance Season
Videos
Video: THE LION KING's Tshidi Manye Takes Her Historic Final Bow as 'Rafiki'
by Michael Major - 2025-09-03 13:17:12
Video: Watch Gavin Lee Join THE LION KING on Broadway as 'Scar'
by Michael Major - 2025-07-23 11:54:23
VIDEO: Watch THE LION KING's Broadway Makeup Team Transform Stephen Carlile into Scar
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-10-08 10:43:04
Video: Watch an All New Trailer for LEOPOLDSTADT on Broadway
by Show Highlights - 2022-11-22 10:28:40
Watch: THE LION KING on Broadway Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Short Film Highlighting 'The Circle of Life'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2022-11-10 17:44:06
Video: Julie Taymor Talks THE LION KING 25th Anniversary and More!
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - 2022-10-24 05:33:48
TV: Celebrate THE LION KING's Anniversary With a Look at Scar's Makeup Process
by Linnae Medeiros - 2019-11-13 10:28:11
VIDEO: THE LION KING Takes Over King's Cross in Honor of its 20th Anniversary in the West End
by Stephi Wild - 2019-10-19 09:49:58
VIDEO: Get a Backstage Look at THE LION KING Bringing Its Giraffe To Life
by Linnae Medeiros - 2019-08-09 12:52:42
VIDEO: THE LION KING Celebrates 100,000,000th Guest Worldwide With Multi-Lingual 'Circle of Life' Music Video
by Stephi Wild - 2019-05-16 09:10:16
April 1 - THE LION KING Will Become First Musical to Play Seven Continents- Antarctic Production Will Open in 2019!
by Nicole Rosky - 2018-03-31 19:01:42
VIDEO: THE LION KING Cast Members Perform Dual-Language 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' For 20th Anniversary
by Stephi Wild - 2017-12-12 07:21:40
VIDEO: On This Day, March 30- THE LION KING Plays 1,000 Broadway Performances
by A.A. Cristi - 2017-03-30 20:49:19
News
THE LION KING to Return to Seattle at The Paramount Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 6, 2025
Disney’s The Lion King is coming to The Paramount Theatre stage.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 6, 2025
Disney’s The Lion King is coming to The Paramount Theatre stage.
Experience Disney's THE LION KING in Chicago at Cadillac Palace
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2025
Disney's THE LION KING runs at Cadillac Palace Theatre until October 19. Get ticket info and details about this must-see Chicago show!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2025
Disney's THE LION KING runs at Cadillac Palace Theatre until October 19. Get ticket info and details about this must-see Chicago show!
Video: THE LION KING Celebrates 11,000 Performances on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 23, 2025
The Lion King celebrated its 11,000th performance on Broadway over the weekend at the matinee on Saturday, September 20th. See footage here and learn more about The Lion King.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 23, 2025
The Lion King celebrated its 11,000th performance on Broadway over the weekend at the matinee on Saturday, September 20th. See footage here and learn more about The Lion King.
Cast Announced for Disney's THE LION KING in Chicago
by Michael Major - Sep 3, 2025
The production features Peter Hargrave (Scar), David D’Lancy Wilson (Mufasa), Mukelisiwe Goba (Rafiki), Robert Creighton (Timon), Nick LaMedica (Zazu), Danny Grumich (Pumbaa), Gilbert Domally (Simba), and more.
by Michael Major - Sep 3, 2025
The production features Peter Hargrave (Scar), David D’Lancy Wilson (Mufasa), Mukelisiwe Goba (Rafiki), Robert Creighton (Timon), Nick LaMedica (Zazu), Danny Grumich (Pumbaa), Gilbert Domally (Simba), and more.
Video: THE LION KING's Tshidi Manye Takes Her Historic Final Bow as 'Rafiki'
by Michael Major - Sep 3, 2025
Watch a video of Tshidi Manye, who played Rafiki in Disney's THE LION KING on Broadway for over 9,000 performances, take her final bow on Sunday after being a part of the production for 25 years.
by Michael Major - Sep 3, 2025
Watch a video of Tshidi Manye, who played Rafiki in Disney's THE LION KING on Broadway for over 9,000 performances, take her final bow on Sunday after being a part of the production for 25 years.
Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi Returns to THE LION KING as Rafiki
by Stephi Wild - Sep 2, 2025
The Lion King is welcoming Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi back as Rafiki beginning September 2. Pitjeng-Molebatsi stepped into the role temporarily earlier this year and is now taking it over officially following the final performance of longtime cast member Tshidi Manye.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 2, 2025
The Lion King is welcoming Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi back as Rafiki beginning September 2. Pitjeng-Molebatsi stepped into the role temporarily earlier this year and is now taking it over officially following the final performance of longtime cast member Tshidi Manye.
Review: Disney’s THE LION KING Brings the Circle of Life to Vancouver
by Alyson Eng - Aug 31, 2025
Disney’s The Lion King musical is playing in Vancouver, BC for a limited four-week engagement at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from August 20 to September 14.
by Alyson Eng - Aug 31, 2025
Disney’s The Lion King musical is playing in Vancouver, BC for a limited four-week engagement at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from August 20 to September 14.
THE LION KING's Longest-Running Rafiki, Tshidi Manye, to Depart the Show
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 27, 2025
After 9,000 performances as Rafiki in The Lion King, Tshidi Manye is set to depart the Broadway production. Learn more about Manye and about The Lion King here.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 27, 2025
After 9,000 performances as Rafiki in The Lion King, Tshidi Manye is set to depart the Broadway production. Learn more about Manye and about The Lion King here.
THE LION KING Tour Welcomes New Mufasa and Simba
by Stephi Wild - Aug 26, 2025
The North American tour of Disney’s The Lion King will welcome David D’Lancy Wilson as Mufasa and Gilbert Domally as Simba. Wilson and Domally will begin performances on Tuesday, September 23 in Portland, OR at Keller Auditorium.
by Stephi Wild - Aug 26, 2025
The North American tour of Disney’s The Lion King will welcome David D’Lancy Wilson as Mufasa and Gilbert Domally as Simba. Wilson and Domally will begin performances on Tuesday, September 23 in Portland, OR at Keller Auditorium.
Video: Gayle King Makes Broadway Debut in THE LION KING
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 25, 2025
On Thursday, CBS News journalist Gayle King, along with Oprah Daily creative director Adam Glassman, made their Broadway debuts in The Lion King, appearing in the opening number of the hit musical. Watch footage from rehearsals and the performance here!
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 25, 2025
On Thursday, CBS News journalist Gayle King, along with Oprah Daily creative director Adam Glassman, made their Broadway debuts in The Lion King, appearing in the opening number of the hit musical. Watch footage from rehearsals and the performance here!
Video: Watch Gavin Lee Join THE LION KING on Broadway as 'Scar'
by Michael Major - Jul 23, 2025
Gavin Lee has made it to Pride Rock! The Tony nominee has officially joined the cast of The Lion King on Broadway as 'Scar.' Watch a video of his first bow now!
by Michael Major - Jul 23, 2025
Gavin Lee has made it to Pride Rock! The Tony nominee has officially joined the cast of The Lion King on Broadway as 'Scar.' Watch a video of his first bow now!
Gavin Lee Joins THE LION KING on Broadway as Scar
by Stephi Wild - Jun 30, 2025
Two-time Tony nominee Gavin Lee will take on the role of Scar in THE LION KING starting July 22. Discover more about his journey here!
by Stephi Wild - Jun 30, 2025
Two-time Tony nominee Gavin Lee will take on the role of Scar in THE LION KING starting July 22. Discover more about his journey here!
Tickets For THE LION KING in Seattle Go on Sale Next Week
by Stephi Wild - Jun 12, 2025
Disney Theatrical Group and Premera Blue Cross Broadway at The Paramount have announced that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s The Lion King will go on sale to the public next week.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 12, 2025
Disney Theatrical Group and Premera Blue Cross Broadway at The Paramount have announced that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s The Lion King will go on sale to the public next week.
THE LION KING Will Conclude Toronto Run in August
by Stephi Wild - May 14, 2025
Toronto’s production of Disney’s The Lion King – now in its 29th week – will conclude its run on August 30 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - May 14, 2025
Toronto’s production of Disney’s The Lion King – now in its 29th week – will conclude its run on August 30 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Learn more here!
DISNEY'S THE LION KING To Conclude Toronto Run In August
by A.A. Cristi - May 13, 2025
Toronto's production of Disney's The Lion King – now in its 29th week – will conclude its run on August 30 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. By that date, the show will have played 345 performances to an audience of over 250,000.
by A.A. Cristi - May 13, 2025
Toronto's production of Disney's The Lion King – now in its 29th week – will conclude its run on August 30 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. By that date, the show will have played 345 performances to an audience of over 250,000.
THE LION KING Is Now On Sale At Cadillac Palace Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - May 13, 2025
Broadway In Chicago has announced that individual tickets for Disney's The Lion King, are now on sale to the public. The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 23 years, and during that time has welcomed over 24 million theatergoers, making it North America's longest-running and most-attended Broadway tour.
by A.A. Cristi - May 13, 2025
Broadway In Chicago has announced that individual tickets for Disney's The Lion King, are now on sale to the public. The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 23 years, and during that time has welcomed over 24 million theatergoers, making it North America's longest-running and most-attended Broadway tour.
Disney's THE LION KING Comes To The Music Hall In May
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2025
Disney's The Lion King will leap onto the Music Hall stage from Thursday, May 22 to Sunday, June 1. The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 22 years, and during that time has welcomed over 23 million theatergoers.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2025
Disney's The Lion King will leap onto the Music Hall stage from Thursday, May 22 to Sunday, June 1. The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 22 years, and during that time has welcomed over 23 million theatergoers.
THE LION KING North American Tour Will Celebrate 23rd Anniversary This Weekend
by Stephi Wild - Apr 23, 2025
The North American tour of Disney’s The Lion King will celebrate its 23rd anniversary in Orlando, where the production begins a four-week return engagement tonight at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 23, 2025
The North American tour of Disney’s The Lion King will celebrate its 23rd anniversary in Orlando, where the production begins a four-week return engagement tonight at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Disney's THE LION KING Returns To Chicago
by Stephi Wild - Apr 2, 2025
By popular demand, Disney's The Lion King will return to Chicago for the first time since 2023, where the production played a sold-out run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 2, 2025
By popular demand, Disney's The Lion King will return to Chicago for the first time since 2023, where the production played a sold-out run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.
Kathy Najimy, Valentina, Ann Hould-Ward, and Martha Clarke Join TDF’s Spring Benefit
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 31, 2025
TDF will celebrate 50 years of its exceptional Costume Collection with a glamorous party, Costumes & Cocktails. Learn more about the event and see who is being honored.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 31, 2025
TDF will celebrate 50 years of its exceptional Costume Collection with a glamorous party, Costumes & Cocktails. Learn more about the event and see who is being honored.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Richard Hudson been nominated for?
Best Scenic Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Leopoldstadt, Best Set Designer (Olivier Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Set Design - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Best Set Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King, Best Scenic Design (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Revival-Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Best Costume Designer (Olivier Awards) for Volpone , Outstanding Choreography (Drama Desk Awards) for La Bete, Outstanding Set Design (Drama Desk Awards) for La Bete, Scenic and Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for La Bete, Best Scenic Design (Tony Awards) for La Bête and Designer of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Performance Season.
What awards has Richard Hudson won?
Richard Hudson has won several prestigious awards, including Outstanding Set Design - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for The Lion King, Best Set Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Lion King, and Best Scenic Design at the Tony Awards for The Lion King. He also received the Outstanding Revival-Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for The Lion King. Additionally, Hudson earned the Scenic and Costume Design award at The Hewes Awards for La Bete and was named Designer of the Year at the Olivier Awards for the Performance Season.
Videos