THE LION KING to Embark on First U.K. National Tour

According to The Telegraph, the London musical THE LION KING will be embarking on its first national tour beginning August of 2012. 

Now in its 12th record-breaking year, THE LION KING has been seen by almost 10 million people in the UK and 60 million people worldwide, making it one of the most successful productions in theatre history.

‘"People have a very emotional connection to The Lion King. Because it's literally lived in their homes as a film, as books and as music, when they experience the theatrical production, the emotions are that much more resonant," said Thomas Schumacher, President of Disney Theatrical Productions, producer of The Lion King. 

Based on the Academy award-winning animated film which will be released in cinemas for the first time in Disney Digital 3D from 7th October. The Lion King illustrates the journey of young lion cub Simba, as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role of King. Acclaimed theatre director and designer Julie Taymor re-imagined the story and staged it in a unique way to incorporate elements of African art and theatrical styles from around the world. Consequently, Taymor became the first woman in theatrical history to win a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design for her work on The Lion King.

The creative team behind The Lion King consists of Director Julie Taymor, who along with designer Michael Curry, created hundreds of masks and puppets. Scenic design is by Richard Hudson; costume design is by Julie Taymor; lighting design is by Donald Holder. Choreography is by Garth Fagan. The book was adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated film and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay. The music and lyrics are produced by Sir Elton John and Sir Tim Rice who won an Academy® Award for the song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" with additional musical material produced by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer.

The touring production will open at the Bristol Hippodrome on August 31st and will run for eleven weeks. It will then continue on to the Palace Theatre in Manchester and will visit 10 cities in the UK and Ireland over the next two and a half years. The tour has been four years in the making.

For more information go to www.thelionking.co.uk. 

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