Why The Lion King is STILL the West End’s best-selling show after 27 years
FROM the moment the opening note of ‘Circle of Life’ played, I was transported to the African savannah.
The Lion King is one of the West End’s longest running productions – and with good reason.
The fan-favourite Disney story features everything you could imagine and more if you had brought the film to life.
And Sun Club members can get 10% off tickets with London Theatre Direct, when booking via our Sun Club Promo page.
To get your tickets, sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 a month or just £12 for one year, then head to the Sun Club Offers hub and London Theatre Direct page or click here.
Of course, I don’t mean real-life lions prowling across the stage. And let’s be honest, none of us would want that either.
Read more on travel inspo
Instead I mean vibrant sets and costumes that bring the audience to the African savannah, but with an artistic touch.
Director Julie Taymor fuses the actors directly into the beautiful animal puppets, rather than hiding them in clunky mascot-like costumes.
Each is like a piece of art bringing the safari animals that feature in The Lion King to life.
Some critics have labelled the puppets as “dated” compared to newer productions such as War Horse or My Neighbour Totoro.
I disagree – everything in the show’s design remains timeless, from the costumes to the sets.
As living artwork parades down the aisles on either side of the theatre, I felt transported to the Pride Lands.
The most mesmerising part had to be when – spoiler alert – the life-sized elephant puppet ambled across the stage, with the same methodic but gentle stomps you’d expect of the magnificent beast in the wild.
It isn’t just the animals that are impressive – across the show much flora and fauna sets scenes and creates a depth to the stage.
Even one of the smallest characters (by size, not personality) – Zazu – was brilliant, where the puppeteer and actor was able to create comedy with a single head tilt, squawk or wing flap.
A memorable moment in the film is the stampede that takes Mufasa’s life.
And it is just as poignant on stage – my heart raced as the staging created a terrifying scene of hundreds of wildebeest stamping towards the audience.
Scenes at Pride Rock are equally as impressive, with the giant rock emerging magically from the floorboards.
Singing, dancing and acting – all simply phenomenal.
And just like the film, there are multiple tear- jerker moments which will leave you wishing you didn’t wear mascara to theperformancee.
George Asprey who plays Scar is one of the West End’s longest running actors having played the role for 17 years, as is his co-star, Shaun Escoffery who plays Mufasa.
In a previous interview, George told Sun Travel: “Allow yourself to just open up to the set and the costumes.
“It is difficult to take everything in, in one sitting, and when you come again, you’ll pick up the different nuances. Maybe in the scenery, for example.”
And in terms of where to sit, the age-old question – do you need to fork out for the posh seats? Not at this show, apparently.
George said: “I’ve had friends right at the front of the stalls and I have had friends right at the bottom end of the upper circle, and I think the one thing about the Lyceum is that all of the viewing is extraordinary.
“I really don’t think there’s a vantage point in the upper circle where you won’t see everything still.
“I think it’s a decent price for a reason and I don’t think it’s not worth it – I wouldn’t avoid coming if you can only afford a certain seat, because you still get a wonderful experience.”
The Lion King is performed eight times a week, with evening performances on Tuesdays through to Saturday at 7:30pm and then the matinee performances take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm.
No performances take place on Mondays.
The show lasts two-and-a-half hours with an interval included.
Click below to sign up to Sun Club and bag your discounted tickets.
Q&A What you need to know
Is there a minimum age requirement for attending the show?
The Lion King is recommended for ages six-ears-old and above, with children under the age of three-years-old not permitted.
All those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Do you agree with the age rating?
To get the most of the experience, I would recommend taking children aged eight and above. However, it’s gripping enough for kids aged 6 up to handle the full-length show, although some may find Mufasa’s death upsetting.
How much is the programme and is any merch available?
The souvenir programme costs £10 and merch is available including hoodies and plush toys.
Any extras?
There are four bars in the theatre including The Ballroom Bar which opens 90 minutes before the show starts. There is also a cloakroom charging £1/£2 depending on the item. And if you want to elevate your experience, you can get VIP lounge access before the show for £75pp.
Is there a best seat in the house?
Anywhere – due to the design of the theatre, every seat has a great view.
Where’s the closest affordable hotel?
The Z Hotel Strand is less than a five-minute walk away and costs from £65 per night.
Where is the closest place to get a pint?
Head to The Lyceum Tavern just around the corner, where a pint will set you back around £5.60.
Where is the closest place to have a meal?
Being on the Strand, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat including Frankie & Benny’s and Vasiniko for pizza, Ole & Steen for cafe bites and numerous watering holes for pub grub.
I want to make a day of it. What else is nearby?
Thanks to being in central London, there is a load on your doorstep. Just across the road is a Charlie and The Chocolate Factory-themed afternoon tea and around the corner is Covent Garden where you can stop by The London Transport Museum or watch street performers.
18+ Subscription to Sun Club required. Online access required. Save an additional 10 per cent off tickets. Offer ends at 23:59pm on Thursday, December 31, 2026. Sun Club new customer offer: £1.99 per month or £12 for the first year, then £19.99 thereafter unless you cancel at least seven days before your next billing date. Full T&Cs apply, see thesun.co.uk/club.
