October 19, 1999 – The Lion King Musical Opens in the West End’s Lyceum Theater
“The Lion King, Disney’s award-winning Broadway musical has roared into the West End with over 40 actors, singers, and dancers performing a spectacular menagerie of a musical at the beautiful Lyceum Theater.” – Darren Dalglish, reviewer for LondonTheater.co.uk
On October 19, 1999, the musical The Lion King opened in the Lyceum Theater in London, England. This version of the musical was the second version of the show to be opened, and the first to be opened internationally. It was led by original Broadway director Julie Taymor, and was produced by Melissa De Melo. It has become the West End’s best-selling stage production, and has, of this year, reached its 15th year of performances. The original West End cast included Roger Wright as Simba; Luke Youngblood as Young Simba; Rob Edwards as Scar; Cornell John as Mufasa; Paulette Ivory as Nala; Pippa Bennett-Warner, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Dominque Moore sharing the role as Young Nala; Josette-Bushell-Mingo as Rafiki; Simon Gregor as Timon; Martyn Ellis as Pumbaa; Gregory Gudgeon as Zazu; Dawn Michael as Sarabi; Stephanie Charles as Shenzi; Paul J. Medford as Banzai; and Christopher Holt as Ed.
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