New 2023 casting announced for The Lion King musical in West End
The Lion King has revealed new casting for London’s West End.
The award-winning musical continues to play at Lyceum Theatre with tickets on sale now.
A new cast has been announced for the production, starting performances on 9 May 2023.
Owen Chaponda (Back to the Future; The Colour Purple) and Merryl Ansah (Heathers; Crazy for You), will step into the iconic roles of Simba and Nala. This will mark their return to the show, both having previously performed in the ensemble in the West End production.
Owen Chaponda said, “Taking over the role of Simba in the West End is unbelievably exciting. I loved every minute of being in the show as an ensemble member so returning as such an iconic character is a real dream come true.
“Simba is a diverse character , his playfulness in contrast to his soft and vulnerable side is extremely fun to play with, he is young and full of energy but also has this huge emotional journey that he embarks on with his father Mufasa, his uncle Scar and his best friend Nala every night. He really needs Nala’s help to do that growing up so taking on the role with Merryl as she grows into Nala too will really add an extra level on and off stage which i can’t wait explore.”
Merryl Ansah added: “Nala is amazing! She’s such a strong female character who leads with integrity and also allows herself to be vulnerable while really holding the Pridelands together. She has her own journey with the lionesses as well as with Simba and I’m excited for both those parts of the role.
“I cannot wait to be back in this show, and, not only that, to be stepping into the role at the same time as Owen joins makes it an even more special journey for us both. We’re ready to take the Pridelands together!”
The new cast will also welcome Rhiane Drummond as Shenzi, Jorell Coiffic-Kamall as Banzai, along with new ensemble cast members: Gibsa Bah, Shaquille Brush, Stedroy Cabey, Nikki Cheung, Kat Collings, Marlee Jay, Tomas Larraguivel, Gennaro Maffettone, Lanya Matthews, Daniel Mejia, Sipho Mlombile, Ntethelelo Nhlapo, Dillan Hope Suttle and Francesca Thompson.
Continuing with the cast will be George Asprey as Scar, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, Gary Jordan as Zazu, Jamie McGregor as Timon, Thenjiwe Thendiva Nofemele as Rafiki, Mark Roper as Pumbaa and Mark Tatham as Ed.
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With music & lyrics from Elton John, Tim Rice and Lebo M, The Lion King is set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains to the evocative rhythms of Africa. Exploding with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music, it tells the timeless story of Simba and his epic journey to fulfil his destiny as King of the Pridelands.
The musical first opened in London in 1999 and is currently booking through to October 2023.
Alongside the West End production a new UK tour of The Lion King musical is currently ongoing.
The production is currently in Manchester ahead of visiting Sunderland, Bristol, Birmingham and Dublin this year.
