You’ll step into London’s Lyceum Theatre and feel Simba’s world come alive through music, color and movement. Watch larger-than-life puppets parade past your seat and hear Elton John’s songs fill the room. With your entry ticket included and friendly staff all around, you’ll leave humming tunes long after curtain call.
“You’re here for Simba?” the usher grinned as we fumbled with our tickets outside Lyceum Theatre — I guess my niece’s handmade lion ears gave us away. The street was buzzing, people clutching programs, a couple of tourists taking selfies under the glowing marquee. Inside, there was this faint smell of old velvet and popcorn, mixed with something floral from someone’s perfume nearby. We found our seats (Row L — not too far, not too close), and I could feel my niece vibrating with excitement next to me. She kept whispering, “Is it starting yet?” even before the lights dimmed.
I’d seen the Lion King movie a hundred times growing up, but nothing really prepares you for that first moment Rafiki sings out — her voice filled the whole place and honestly, I got goosebumps. Our local guide (well, he wasn’t an official guide, just the friendly guy next to us who’d seen it three times) leaned over and told us to watch for the giraffes during “Circle of Life.” He was right; when those giant puppets walked down the aisles, everyone just stopped breathing for a second. The colors on stage were wild — deep reds and golds that made you forget you were in rainy London at all.
The interval came faster than I expected. My niece wanted ice cream (“the strawberry one!”), so we joined the line with families and couples chatting about their favorite songs. There was this little boy trying to roar like Simba behind us — honestly sounded more like a sneeze but his dad cheered anyway. The second half felt even more intense; Scar’s scenes had these sharp shadows that made him look twice as menacing. Elton John’s music hit differently live — “He Lives in You” actually made me tear up a bit (didn’t see that coming). So yeah, by curtain call everyone was on their feet clapping along. Walking out into the cool night air, I still had bits of confetti stuck to my sleeve.
The performance lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes including an interval.
It is performed at the Lyceum Theatre in London’s West End.
The show is recommended for ages 6 and up; children under 3 are not permitted inside the theatre.
Yes, wheelchair locations are available on request; the venue is accessible.
Yes, all persons entering the theatre must have a ticket regardless of age.
Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby.
No, children under 3 years of age are not permitted to enter the theatre.
Your experience includes entry tickets to Disney's Lion King musical at London's Lyceum Theatre along with all taxes and fees covered—just make your own way there and settle into your seat for an evening surrounded by live music, color, and energy in the heart of the West End.
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