Irene Mecchi News

Disney’s The Lion King has announced that Robb Sapp and Sam Linda, who play the role of Ed on Broadway and tour, respectively, will switch productions. Learn more here!

Disney Theatrical Group announced the full company for the final extension of HERCULES at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, with Bradley Gibson leading as the title character alongside newly announced cast members joining the production.

Disney's THE LION KING will partner with London Zoo for a second year, presenting a free exhibition featuring costumes, masks, and puppets from the West End production, alongside new expert-led talks on African wildlife.

Bradley Gibson, who originated the role of Hercules in the 2023 world premiere, will reprise the part from June 29 at Theatre Royal Drury Lane as the Disney musical completes its London run.

Posi Morakinyo and Asha Parker-Wallace will star as Simba and Nala in the West End production of THE LION KING, announced for March 2026. Learn more about the new cast members here!

I don’t know why The Lion King evokes such powerful emotions in me, but every time that opening chant begins and the world of the Pride Lands comes to life, something in my heart completely surrenders.

The Lion King has announced that longtime cast member Mduduzi Madela will assume the role of Simba beginning Tuesday, February 24. Learn more about him here!

Hercules will extend its West End run for a final time. Hercules features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by David Zippel, and a brand-new book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah.

The Blank Theatre is now seeking submissions from playwrights 19 years of age and younger for its 34th Annual Young Playwrights Festival. The festival is a nationwide competition that produces the work of 12 young writers each year.

The Cumberland County Playhouse will present The Lion King, Jr, with music and lyrics by Tim Rice and Elton John, with additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Hans Zimmer; book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi.

The North American tour of Disney’s The Lion King will welcome Zama Magudulela as Rafiki. Magudulela will begin performances on Tuesday, January 13 in Sacramento at the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center.

Broadway Grand Rapids and Disney Theatrical Group will place tickets on sale for THE LION KING’s return to DeVos Performance Hall beginning November 24 at noon.

Watch a video of the cast of Disney's Hercules in London sing a new song written for the musical, 'Great Bolts of Thunder.' Written by Alan Menken and David Zippel, the song takes place before the final battle with Hades begins!

Hercules will extend its run at Theatre Royal Drury Lane until 18 July 2026 due to public demand. Leslie Beehann will join the cast to play Calliope from 8 December.

Disney’s The Lion King is coming to The Paramount Theatre stage.

Watch Susan Egan, the original Meg from Hercules, perform in a Disney villain medley featuring songs from Tangled and more!

Disney's THE LION KING runs at Cadillac Palace Theatre until October 19. Get ticket info and details about this must-see Chicago show!

Available to stream and download Oct 10. CD and Vinyl are available for preorder now at the Disney Music Emporium UK store and will be available online and in-person at the merchandise shop at Theatre Royal Drury Lane later this winter.

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.

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.