Disney today announced that its legendary musical, THE LION KING, will embark on its first ever UK tour, so that audiences across the country can experience the global phenomenon in their local theatres.

The award-winning show has been seen by over 65 million people worldwide since its Broadway premiere in 1997 and will soon welcome its 10 millionth visitor at the Lyceum Theatre in London.

Four years in the planning, Disney will launch a touring production of THE LION KING at The Bristol Hippodrome, opening on Thursday 6th September (previews from Friday 31st August 2012) where it will play a limited 11-week season, until the 17th November 2012. The production will then play the Palace Theatre Manchester which will include a Christmas season. THE LION KING will be in Manchester from the 1st December 2012 to the 31st March 2013 (opening night 6th December).

With a company of 52, THE LION KING will visit 10 cities in the UK & Ireland over two and a half years, with further dates to be announced.

The West End production of THE LION KING, now in its 13th triumphant year, will continue to play at London’s Lyceum Theatre where it has proved to be a consistent favourite amongst audiences. In 2011, THE LION KING completed its best financial year, smashing the industry record for highest annual gross box office in West End history.  

THE LION KING UK tour will open at The Bristol Hippodrome and play: Bristol – The Bristol Hippodrome, 6 september – 17 November 2012, with previews from 31st August; and Manchester – Palace Theatre, 6 December 2012 – 31 March 2013, with previews from 1st December.

“We continue to be thrilled by how UK audiences have enjoyed The Lion King in London, and have long wished to also share this production with audiences nationally.” said Thomas Schumacher, Producer and President Disney Theatrical Productions. “Following years of planning, and after receiving the counsel of some very smart friends in the British theatre world, we are delighted to be launching a production that conveys Julie Taymor’s epic vision and at a moment that feels absolutely right.”   

Disney’s THE LION KING based on the beloved animated film which was recently re-released in digital 3D, was entrusted to Director and Co-Designer Julie Taymor to adapt the film for the stage. Taymor brought a vast array of disciplines to THE LION KING which draws upon her immeasurable experience of various theatrical styles and cultures to tell the compelling tale of Simba, the young lion cub, as he journeys through life and struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role of King.

The multi-award winning musical has now played in 15 countries on 5 continents and been translated into 6 languages. Taymor’s extraordinary vision has gone on to achieve phenomenal success on an international scale, enthralling audiences across the globe with the timeless story and universal messages of hope, community and the circle of life.

In addition to the record-breaking productions in London and New York, THE LION KING can currently be seen in Tokyo, Hamburg, Sapporo, Madrid and on tour in the US. THE LION KING UK tour will be the 20th production to premiere internationally.