LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

The Walt Disney Company UK and Ireland announces the return of The Lion King

The Walt Disney Company UK and Ireland has today announced that the award-winning musical THE LION KING will return to the Edinburgh Playhouse in December 2019.

The Walt Disney Company UK and Ireland announces the return of The Lion King

Article Source: Edinburgh Playhouse
Last Updated: 14 January 2019 20:03

Returns to Edinburgh December 2019

Only Scottish visit

The Walt Disney Company UK and Ireland has today announced that the award-winning musical THE LION KING will return to the Edinburgh Playhouse in December 2019, the only Scottish dates on the second UK and Ireland tour.

Tickets will go on sale in March 2019.

The tour coincides with THE LION KING celebrating 20 years at London’s Lyceum Theatre. Since the UK premiere in London on Tuesday 19th October 1999, THE LION KING has entertained over 15 million theatregoers and remains the West End’s best-selling stage production and the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time.

Colin Marr, Theatre Director, the Edinburgh Playhouse said: “We are incredibly excited to have Disney’s THE LION KING return to the Playhouse. I saw it for the first time in London recently and was blown away by the size and scale of the production. It’s an incredibly exciting show – a great spectacle but with brilliant humour too. I can’t wait to see it on our stage. The previous visit had a huge impact on the city attracting hundreds and thousands of visitors and generating millions of pounds for the local economy. As the only Scottish venue, we are looking forward to welcoming audiences of all ages from Edinburgh, the rest of Scotland and internationally.”

The first tour of THE LION KING broke box office records at the Edinburgh Playhouse with a 15 week sell-out season playing to more than 325,000 people, 60% first time visitors to the venue with 29% from Edinburgh postcodes.

The hit production generated £17.2 million for the local economy with advertising in the city in 9 different languages including Gaelic, Dutch and Chinese attracting visitors from as far afield as Argentina, Malaysia and Canada.

With a cast of over 50 actors, singers and dancers, the story of THE LION KING is miraculously brought to life using masks, puppets and striking costumes to tell the story of young Simba's epic adventures as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and becoming king.

The stunning simplicity of THE LION KING is the work of a team of designers which drew on diverse cultural influences to recreate the rich colours and vast expanses of the African savanna in this daring and inspiring reinvention of one of the most successful animated films of all time.

Julie Taymor’s internationally-celebrated stage adaptation opened on Broadway in 1997 and 25 global productions have now been seen by more than 95 million people. Performed in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway, London’s West End, Hamburg, Tokyo and Sapporo, Madrid, Scheveningen in Holland, Daegu in South Korea and on tour across North America - a total of nine productions running concurrently across the globe. Having played over 100 cities in 20 countries on every continent except Antarctica, THE LION KING’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.

Julie Taymor, one of the world’s most innovative directors, brought a vast array of disciplines to THE LION KING, including extensive experience staging epic theatre and opera productions, exploring classic myths through ritualised puppetry, mask, and movement. THE LION KING was the first musical she directed in the commercial theatre, and Taymor made Broadway history by becoming the first woman to win the Tony Award® for Best Director of a Musical.

The show’s full creative team, which won five Tony Awards® for its work on THE LION KING, reunited in 1999 to recreate the show in London. Julie Taymor and Michael Curry created hundreds of masks and puppets. Scenic design is by leading British designer Richard Hudson and lighting is by Donald Holder. Costume design is by Julie Taymor, and choreography by Garth Fagan. The book was adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay.

The original score from the animated film was expanded for the stage and now features 15 musical numbers.

As well as writing completely new songs, South African composer Lebo M created an evocative blend of African rhythms and chorales, with additional material by Julie Taymor and Mark Mancina. Elton John and Tim Rice have added three new numbers to the five that they wrote for the award-winning score of the animated film. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, including the Academy Award®-winning Can You Feel The Love Tonight and the haunting Shadowland.

THE LION KING is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.


Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

Full cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!

READ MORE
Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.

READ MORE
Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

A sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

READ MORE
Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.

READ MORE
Business Community Gears Up for Annual BID Awards

Business Community Gears Up for Annual BID Awards

Stirling’s business community is getting ready to celebrate at the city’s annual awards for independent traders.

READ MORE
Work to excavate Pictish Stone near Doune to get underway

Work to excavate Pictish Stone near Doune to get underway

Excavation work on a Pictish stone of potential ‘international significance’, discovered buried in a cemetery near Doune, will begin within the next fortnight.

READ MORE
Inspiring runners demonstrate transformative power of running

Inspiring runners demonstrate transformative power of running

Great Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.

READ MORE
Dobbies invites families to hop along to its breakfast event

Dobbies invites families to hop along to its breakfast event

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.

READ MORE
Celebrate International Womens Day at Vue with these iconic stories

Celebrate International Womens Day at Vue with these iconic stories

Friday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.

READ MORE
Scottish trad music is on the rise

Scottish trad music is on the rise

New research released by VisitScotland reveals the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music, finding that over a third of Scots (34%) are listening to it more often in the past year.

READ MORE
Surprise performance at The National Wallace Monument for Marie Curie Day of Reflection

Surprise performance at The National Wallace Monument for Marie Curie Day of Reflection

The public was treated to a surprise choir performance against the backdrop of the National Wallace Monument in Stirling to mark Marie Curie's Day of Reflection this weekend.

READ MORE
The 5th Paisley Book Festival programme is announced

The 5th Paisley Book Festival programme is announced

A stellar line-up of authors are set to take Paisley by storm at this year's Paisley Book Festival in April!

READ MORE
Last chance to secure an Earlybird Entry for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

Last chance to secure an Earlybird Entry for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is back on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, and the Earlybird offer to save up to £8 off your entry ends this Friday 1st March at 10am.

READ MORE
Animated film raises thousands for Shelter Scotland

Animated film raises thousands for Shelter Scotland

A Scottish author's poignant tale of generosity and kindness has raised £2,262 to help the homeless.

READ MORE
Dobbies unveils its TEAriffic Mothers Day experience

Dobbies unveils its TEAriffic Mothers Day experience

Dobbies is offering customers the chance to treat the mother figures in their lives to an indulgent Mother's Day Afternoon Tea experience and a special flower gift on March 9th & 10th.

READ MORE
A month long celebration in partnership with Forth Valley Food and Drink

A month long celebration in partnership with Forth Valley Food and Drink

STEP, in partnership with Forth Valley Food and Drink, is thrilled to announce a series of engaging business events throughout March.

READ MORE
Mystery solved of historic ruins on University of Stirling grounds

Mystery solved of historic ruins on University of Stirling grounds

A project involving the University of Stirling, Stirling Council and a group of volunteers has uncovered a historic folly on the university grounds.

READ MORE
Fishermen bid to reel in political support

Fishermen bid to reel in political support

An Impassioned photo-led exhibition that depicts the challenge, pride and responsibility felt by those working in Scotland’s fishing industry is to debut within the Scottish Parliament.

READ MORE
Who will be named Scottish influencer of the year

Who will be named Scottish influencer of the year

The Scottish Influencer Awards, the major awards ceremony celebrating Scotland's stars of social, has announced the full shortlist of nominees in the running to be named the Influencer of the Year.

READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centre hosts free gardening workshops in March

Dobbies Garden Centre hosts free gardening workshops in March

Dobbies is encouraging gardeners of all ages and skill levels across the country to get one of their 5 a day by learning how to grow soft fruits at one of its free workshops in March.

READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show returns, celebrating 10 years of same sex marriage in Scotland

Scottish Wedding Show returns, celebrating 10 years of same sex marriage in Scotland

Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this Valentine's weekend and is putting love on display as the country celebrates 10 years of same sex marriage.

READ MORE
Finalists Selected for Stirling Business Awards 2024

Finalists Selected for Stirling Business Awards 2024

A shortlist of finalists for the 2024 Stirling Business Awards has been announced after more than 22,000 votes were cast during the selection process.

READ MORE
3D model offers chance to come face to face with Mary Queen of Scots

3D model offers chance to come face to face with Mary Queen of Scots

To mark the anniversary of Mary Queen of Scots’ death, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has released a digital 3D model of her death mask.

READ MORE
Rory McIlroy set for Genesis Scottish Open Title Defence

Rory McIlroy set for Genesis Scottish Open Title Defence

Rory McIlroy will return to the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, North Berwick from July 11th-14th, with tickets on sale now!

READ MORE
Romance blooms at Dobbies

Romance blooms at Dobbies

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, will be indulging people of all ages with its Valentine's Afternoon Tea, taking place across 68 of its stores on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February!

READ MORE
Jack Docherty announces Scottish tour for top reviewed show

Jack Docherty announces Scottish tour for top reviewed show

Following a sell-out run at the Fringe, Jack Docherty, the BAFTA award-winning star of Scot Squad and Absolutely, is taking his critically-acclaimed show David Bowie & Me: Parallel Lives on tour.

READ MORE
Championships medals revealed, as Museum of World Athletics Exhibition officially opened by Scottish Athletics legends

Championships medals revealed, as Museum of World Athletics Exhibition officially opened by Scottish Athletics legends

With less than four weeks until the first World Athletics Indoor Champion Glasgow 24 is crowned, organisers have revealed the medal specially commissioned for the event following a design competition.

READ MORE
Curtain closes on Celtic Connections 2024

Curtain closes on Celtic Connections 2024

World-renowned festival Celtic Connections drew to a triumphant close last night after 18 days of spectacular sold-out concerts, innovative musical sessions and star-studded collaborations.

READ MORE
Stirling Gingerbread Trail Hailed a Success by Business Community

Stirling Gingerbread Trail Hailed a Success by Business Community

Stirling’s first Gingerbread Trail has been hailed a success by the city’s business community and families who took part in the challenge.

READ MORE
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show: everything you need to know

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show: everything you need to know

Taking over the whole of the SEC campus from tomorrow, The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show, the biggest show of its kind in Scotland is not to be missed!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Fair Day Film Night - Back to the Future
Embark on a nostalgic journey through time with Bo'ness Children's Fair Festival's special fundraising screening of "Back to the Future" at the Hippodrome on 9th April!
Let’s Celebrate Summer - Mini Retreat
Come and spend time with like minded individuals at this mini retreat on 22nd June and celebrate Summer!
Buddy Holly’s Winter Dance Party
In this the 65th Anniversary year, Buddy Holly’s Winter Dance Party brings you a show that will have your foot tapping, and itching to be out of your seats for a fun packed Rock n Roll evening!
Strathcarron Hospice 10K 2024
Sign up today and pound the pavements in support of Strathcarron Hospice this October!
Unicorn
Learn all about the mythical Unicorn with a variety of family friendly activities taking place at Stirling Castle on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April!

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling