Musicals

The Lion King Tickets

Name: The Lion King
Start: 2026-03-18T14:30:00
End: 2026-03-18T17:00:00
Location: Lyceum Theatre

Performer in lioness costume during The Lion King West End show.

Performers in lion costumes on stage during The Lion King show in London.

Performer in vibrant costume on stage during The Lion King musical.

Lion King stage performance with actors in traditional costumes and lion mask.

Duration

2 hr 30 min

Disney’s The Lion King in London roars on for 25+ years with Julie Taymor’s Tony-winning vision, Elton John & Tim Rice’s hits, and jaw-dropping puppetry!

Theater name: Lyceum Theatre

4.7/5

(10,682)

Danis

Jan 2026

Verified booking

I finally watched live, the first movie my Dad took me to the cinema... Since then many have changed, but the little Simba inside me is still searching for his roar... The performance of allal the actors was breathtaking, I loved this Skar especially. The onyl bad thing was that a very tall guy was sitting in front of me, so I was struggling to watch during the first part. After I asked an usher If there is another seat available, the response was with no delay, and I had a New seat, same angle 10 rows closer to the stage. The magic overflew... No words to explain what I felt. Years of joy for the whole second part. And in the End, as I collected my coat, I heard a little boy saying to his mother "their voices, took me to heaven"... I got nothing else to add...

Bogdan

Mar 2026

Verified booking

Wow, what an experience! I had heard that this show was exceptional, but I didn’t imagine it would be this impressive. The emotion stayed with me throughout the entire performance, and the intermission caught me by surprise and left me slightly disoriented, even though I knew the story very well. I found myself counting the seconds during the break just to return to my seat and continue the story. I relived it like a child, even though I’m far from those days… but who doesn’t love a story told the way it should be? Honestly, I’m already thinking of coming back to hear once again the interpretation of these outstanding actors. See you soon, Bogdan

Elisabeth

Jan 2026

Verified booking

What made the evening unforgettable wasn’t just the spectacle — though the artistry is astonishing — but the precision with which The Lion King tells a universal story without ever raising its voice. In a London theatre, far from the African plains it evokes, the production somehow collapses distance, culture, and time. The opening moments — when the music rises and the animals move through the aisles — feel less like theatre and more like a collective intake of breath. It’s a reminder that the most powerful performances don’t shout; they connect. And in that connection, night after night, this show earns its standing ovation.

Naohiro

Mar 2026

Verified booking

My partner and I watched it to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We loved it! We have watched Lion King once back in our own country, which was played by one of the most known theater companies. We liked it a lot. But this one in London was different. I loved the powerful performance, especially the one of Rafki. My partner was in the acting club and directed the plays when he was young. He was moved by how smooth and quick Lion King team changed the scenes. He told that scene changes didn't cut our concentration. When the curtain fell, I heard the loudest cheers in my life! That was a memorable play.

Xiaoman

Feb 2026

Verified booking

We saw The Lion King in London’s West End and it was honestly such a special experience. When “Circle of Life” started and the performers came down the aisles, the whole theatre went completely quiet – it gave me goosebumps. The stage feels a bit more intimate, but that actually makes everything feel closer and more immersive. The costumes are incredible and so detailed, and the music sounds even more powerful live. Watching it with my daughter made it even better – she was completely absorbed the entire time. Definitely one of those shows you walk out of still thinking about.

Chana

Feb 2026

Verified booking

Wow!!!!! what an incredible show! From the moment the lights went down and the animals started walking through the audience, I was completely amazed. The costumes and puppetry are on a level you don’t see every day, and the live music is truly moving. The performers gave powerful, high-energy performances, and the stage keeps changing in surprising and creative ways. It’s an immersive experience for both adults and children, and you don’t even notice how fast the time flies. Definitely one of the most beautiful productions I’ve ever seen! 🦁✨

From Disney’s Oscar-winning film to London’s longest-running family musical, The Lion King has been delighting audiences since the last 25 years.

Directed by Julie Taymor, the first woman to win a Tony for the musical's direction, the show earned Olivier Awards for choreography and costume design.

Over 232 puppets, spectacular staging, and Elton John's and Tim Rice's score with songs like "Circle of Life" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" make this a roaring classic.

Nearly 9,000 UK performances and counting, critics hails it as a "kaleidoscopic visual brilliance" (The Guardian). Book your tickets to The Lion King in London now!

The story

Set in the African Pride Lands, The Lion King in London follows young Simba as he flees after the tragic fall of his father, King Mufasa. Guided by new friends Timon and Pumbaa and haunted by Scar’s shadow, Simba must decide whether to face his destiny and reclaim Pride Rock. Will he rise as king, or let fear rule forever?

Critics reviews

“As fresh and soul-stirring as ever”

– The Telegraph

“You hope all nights in the theatre will be like this!”

– Daily Mail

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

10,682 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from France, Switzerland, Italy and over 77 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Victoria
Mar 2026
Verified booking
The energy in the theatre is palpable from the moment the house lights dim. Being that close, you don’t just hear the music; you feel the vibrations of the African drumming in your chest. The sheer scale of the production is overwhelming in the best way possible, especially during the "Circle of Life" opening when the animals emerge from the aisles right past you. At just two rows from the front, the view is nothing short of breathtaking. While you might have to look up slightly to take in the tallest giraffes, the tradeoff is an intimate look at the intricate detail of Julie Taymor’s legendary costumes. You can see the hand-painted patterns on the fabrics, the mechanical inner workings of the puppets, and—most importantly—the raw emotion on the actors' faces that people further back might miss. The cast is a powerhouse of talent where every actor and dancer catches your eye. The Dancers: Their athleticism is stunning; from the graceful leaps of the gazelles to the fluid, powerful movements of the lionesses, the choreography feels alive. The Leads: Whether it’s the commanding presence of Mufasa or the comedic timing of Timon and Pumbaa, the performances are incredibly polished. The Ensemble: Even the ensemble members playing plants or birds bring a level of focus that makes the Serengeti feel like a living, breathing entity. It is a rare experience to be so close to such a massive production, making every roar and every note feel like it was performed just for you.
Luisa
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Wonderful! My expectations were already high, because friends had recommended the musical to me and described it as beautiful. But seeing it in person was extraordinary! Even before it starts, you hear animal calls and bird songs that transport you to the savannah. Then the animals enter and it's a revelation: the actors are not hidden but can be seen perfectly and blend in with the animals they are playing: there are giraffes, a large elephant and a small one, a machine similar to a bicycle (I don't know how else to describe it) that simulates gazelles jumping... in short, a triumph of colors and movements. And the music! The percussion instruments, positioned in the side boxes in full view, make your stomach vibrate, Rafiki's voice is sublime, not to mention Simba and Nala as young people: two kids who seem like seasoned actors as well as talented singers. I laughed at the performances of Zazu, Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed, even though I didn't always fully understand the jokes given my less than perfect English. In short: wonderful. So beautiful and compelling that I only managed to take one photo before the show started. Then I was captivated!
Bogdan
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Wow, what an experience! I had heard that this show was exceptional, but I didn’t imagine it would be this impressive. The emotion stayed with me throughout the entire performance, and the intermission caught me by surprise and left me slightly disoriented, even though I knew the story very well. I found myself counting the seconds during the break just to return to my seat and continue the story. I relived it like a child, even though I’m far from those days… but who doesn’t love a story told the way it should be? Honestly, I’m already thinking of coming back to hear once again the interpretation of these outstanding actors. See you soon, Bogdan
Naohiro
Mar 2026
Verified booking
My partner and I watched it to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We loved it! We have watched Lion King once back in our own country, which was played by one of the most known theater companies. We liked it a lot. But this one in London was different. I loved the powerful performance, especially the one of Rafki. My partner was in the acting club and directed the plays when he was young. He was moved by how smooth and quick Lion King team changed the scenes. He told that scene changes didn't cut our concentration. When the curtain fell, I heard the loudest cheers in my life! That was a memorable play.
Michael
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Seeing the Pride Lands come to life through such inventive stage effects was breathtaking; the way they used light and shadow to mimic the African savanna felt like pure theater magic. It was a stunning scene-by-scene remake of the film that hit every nostalgic beat perfectly, especially during 'The Circle of Life' opening which left me genuinely emotional. From the intricate puppetry to the vibrant costumes, it managed to honor the original movie while creating an entirely unique, immersive atmosphere that stays with you long after the curtain falls.

Show details

Categories: Musical, Disney, Kids, Olivier winner, Fantasy, Classic

Audience: Strictly for 3+

Theater name: Lyceum Theatre

Find the best seats in the house with the Lyceum Theatre seating plan

Theater facilities: Bars, restrooms, cloakroom, merchandise kiosks

Theater accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, accessible toilets, step-free entry, induction loops for hearing-impaired guests, companion seating, access hosts

Dress code: Smart casual

Cast & crew

Leading roles: George Asprey as Scar, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, Thenjiwe Thendiva Nofemele as Rafiki, Gary Jordan as Zazu, Alan McHale as Timon, Mark Roper as Pumbaa, Owen Chaponda as Simba and Merryl Ansah as Nala

Direction: Julie Taymor

Adaptation: Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi

Music: Elton John

Lyrics: Tim Rice

Additional music & lyrics: Lebo M and Mark Mancina

Costume design, mask & puppet co-design, additional lyrics: Julie Taymor

Choreographer: Garth Fagan

Set design: Richard Hudson

Lighting design: Donald Holder

Sound design: Steve Canyon Kennedy

Additional info

This show is recommended for ages 6 years and above. Children aged under 3 years will not be admitted to this show.

All guests that are 16 years and under need to be accompanied by an adult and may not sit on their own in the auditorium.

Content warning: The production contains smoke and fog effects as well as strobe lighting.

Keep in mind, most theaters are air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly. Bring along a light jacket if needed.

Frequently asked questions about The Lion King

Q: How much do The Lion King London tickets cost?

A: Prices may change based on your choice of seats and show dates.

Q: Where is The Lion King playing in London?

A: The show is playing at the Lyceum Theatre in London’s West End.

Q: How long does the performance run?

A: The show lasts for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one interval.

Q: What’s the story about?

A: The Lion King follows Simba, a young lion prince, on his journey from exile to reclaiming his rightful place as king, while navigating betrayal, loss, and the circle of life.

Q: Is the show suitable for children?

A: There’s no strict age limit, but it’s generally recommended for ages 6 years and above. Children aged under 3 years will not be admitted to this show and all guests that are 16 years and under need to be accompanied by an adult and may not sit on their own in the auditorium. The production contains smoke and fog effects as well as strobe lighting.

Q: Are there any popular songs in the musical?

A: Yes, the musical features an iconic score by Elton John and Tim Rice which includes songs like “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” and “Hakuna Matata.” You can listen to the album here.

Q: Has the show won any awards?

A: Yes, The Lion King has won multiple prestigious awards, including Tony awards for Best Musical and Best Direction and Laurence Olivier awards for Best Costume Design and Best Choreography.

Q: How long has The Lion King been running in London?

A: The musical opened in the West End in 1999 and has been performing continuously since, making it a legendary classic with a record-breaking run.

Q: What makes this production unique?

A: Julie Taymor’s innovative use of puppetry, masks, and choreography brings the animals and African savannah vividly to life, creating a visually stunning spectacle unlike any other.