Cast & Creative

Cast

Below is a list of the current leading cast in Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, London. We try to keep this page up to date but if you know of any missing cast members, please get in touch by leaving a comment at the bottom of this page.

Scar – George Asprey

The mean and menacing Scar is played by George Asprey, who is no stranger to the stage. George has performed in countless shows that range from Chicago to The Sound of Music to Guys and Dolls, and has also acted in television shows such as  The Bill, Waking The dead and Holby City.

Timon – Damian Baldet

Playing one half of the loveable duo, Chicago-born Damian Baldet plays meerkat Timon. Having previously performed in the North American National Tour of The Lion King, Damian is no stranger to the part. He has also acted in many other productions in the USA such as Paris Commune, Frankenstein and Poor Super Man. The Lion King marks Damian’s West End debut.

 Pumbaa – Keith Bookman

The other half of the hilarious duo, Pumbaa, is played by Keith Bookman. Keith has performed in many other stage productions such as Les Misérables, both at the West End and on the National Tour, and has acted on television in shows such as Casualty, Eastenders and Coronation Street.

Mufasa – Shaun Escoffery

Playing the prominent role of Mufasa, Simba’s father and King of Pride Rock is Shaun Escoffery. Shaun has performed in other West End shows such as Les Miserables and Parade at the Donmar Warehouse which earned him an Olivier Award nomination for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical. He has also supported major artists such as Erykah Badu and Beverley Knight.

Simba – Andile Gumbi

South African-born Andile Gumbi plays the lead role of adult Simba. He has performed in The Lion King throughout the world, from Australia to China to his own home country, and has appeared on Australian television in Good Friday Appeal and Carols By Candlelight.

Rafiki – Brown Lindiwe Mkhize

South African-born Lindiwe performed in the original Amsterdam company of The Lion King and has also performed in other shows such as Simuka Mandwendwe at the Playhouse in Durban. She was an opening soloist for the Cricket World Cup in 2003 and The Lion King marks her West End debut.

Zazu – Stephen Matthews

The babysitting bird famously voiced by Rowan Atkinson in the film version is played by Stephen Matthews at the Lyceum. Stephen has performed in many shows in the West End such as The Producers at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Les Misérables at the Palace Theatre, Oliver! at the London Palladium and Lady in the Dark at the National Theatre. As well as stage work, Stephen has acted in The Bill and The Quest on television.

Nala – Carole Stennett

Playing the leading lady in The Lion King is Carole Stennett. Born in London, Carole has performed in Michael Jackson musical Thriller Live! at the West End. She has also previously worked in Disneyland Paris on The Legend of The Lion King show.

Creative Team

Below is a list of the people who are behind the making and creating of The Lion King.

Choreographer – Garth Fagan

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Garth has been choreographing for more than 30 years. In 1998, he won a Tony Award for Best Choreographer for his work in The Lion King.

Music – Elton John

One of the best-selling artists of all time, Sir Elton John wrote the music to The Lion King. Elton has received many Grammy Awards for his music and was honoured with an Oscar for his work on the soundtrack to The Lion King.

Writer of Book – Irene Mecchi

Irene co-wrote the original story of The Lion King as well as Hercules and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her work on The Lion King.

Lyrics – Tim Rice

Working closely with the writing team for The Lion King, Tim Rice wrote the lyrics to the film which are featured in the stage production. Rice is no stranger to the world of theatre, having written lyrics for Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar and Aida.

Director – Julie Taymor

As well as directing The Lion King, Julie Taymor also designed the elaborate costumes for the show and provided additional lyrics. She was honoured with the Tony Award for Best Director for a Musical in 1998.

If you would like to read more about the London cast of The Lion King, then check out this site!

London Musicals Online