The Lion King
next weekend in London
Available Performances
Disney's landmark musical transforms the Serengeti with puppetry, masks and Elton John songs in a family West End epic.
⭐4.8
MAF ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kely Brunner ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lucie GROSSOVA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Monia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Benedetta Parodi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
clifford calvert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chris ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Zin Ko Hlaing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Karolina Kwiecinska ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cat owner ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trifon Tzanevski ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Karen hill ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Giulia Rovelli ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
S.D. ⭐⭐
Grigory Kornienko ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Teresa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Silvia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alessandra Crippa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Things to Know Before You Go
Updated: Tue 14 Jul, 06:00 London time
Is there a Saturday matinee for The Lion King next weekend?
Yes — Sat 25 Jul 14:30 (tickets available).
What time does the The Lion King Sunday show start next weekend?
Sun 26 Jul 14:30
What's the cheapest The Lion King performance next weekend?
From £61 (Fri).
Where should we sit if the Circle of Life opening matters most?
Choose the stalls if you want to feel the opening procession arrive through the room, and choose the dress circle if you want the cleanest overview of the stage picture. Avoid treating any exact row as a universal rule: the best choice depends on your child, your budget and whether you prefer immersion or a calmer view.
Is The Lion King a good first West End show for children?
Yes, for children who can sit through a full musical and cope with a few intense story moments. The official guidance is 6+, and children under 3 are not admitted. If your child already knows the film, the sadder scenes usually land as expected rather than as a shock.
How long is The Lion King, and is there an interval?
Plan for about 2 hours 30 minutes including an interval. For family groups, that means food and toilets before you enter the Lyceum rather than assuming you can solve everything in the interval queue.
How early should a family arrive at the Lyceum Theatre?
The official guidance recommends allowing plenty of time for security and seating; for families, aim for roughly an hour if you want a calm start, or at least 30 minutes if everyone is older and mobile. The foyer can feel busy around school-holiday matinees.
Will children be frightened by the stampede or Scar scenes?
The production is family-led, but it is not flat or cartoonish. The stampede, the death of Mufasa and some darker Scar scenes can feel big in the room. Sensitive younger children often do better when they know those moments are coming.
Do adults enjoy it if they are mainly taking children?
Yes. Julie Taymor's puppetry and mask work are the reason the stage version still feels theatrical rather than a film copy. Adults tend to get most from a seat that lets them watch the full stagecraft, not just the principal characters.
Do we need to know the film first?
No. The story is clear on stage, and the songs do much of the emotional work. Knowing the film helps children understand the sad turns in advance, but it is not required for following the plot.
Is The Lion King suitable for children?
Yes. The Lion King is a family-friendly production, but it is generally recommended for children aged six and above. Some scenes, such as the stampede, can feel intense, so very young children may find them a little overwhelming.
How long does The Lion King run in London?
The performance lasts around two hours and thirty minutes, including one interval. The pacing is lively, with music, movement and spectacle holding the attention of both adults and children.
Where is The Lion King performed?
The Lion King is performed at the Lyceum Theatre, just off the Strand in central London, a short walk from Covent Garden and Charing Cross.
Do I need to know the Disney film to enjoy the show?
Not at all. Fans of the film will recognise the songs and characters, but the stage production tells the story clearly enough for anyone experiencing it for the first time.
What should I wear to see The Lion King?
There is no strict dress code. Most people choose smart-casual clothing that feels comfortable for an evening out in central London, and you will not feel out of place if you come straight from a day of sightseeing.
Are there any particularly loud or bright moments?
Yes. The opening sequence and some of the larger set pieces include strong lighting, drums and other sound effects. If anyone in your party is sensitive to loud noise, you may wish to bring discreet ear protection.
About this show
Step into the heart of the African savannah as Disney's The Lion King roars to life on the West End stage. At the historic Lyceum Theatre, Elton John and Tim Rice's beloved songs are reimagined through breathtaking orchestration, rich choral harmonies and world-class performances. Julie Taymor's award-winning production blends ingenious puppetry, vibrant costumes and imaginative staging to transform the theatre into a living, breathing Pride Lands. A spectacular introduction to West End theatre for all ages, this is a story of family, responsibility and finding the courage to take your place in the circle of life. Whether you're visiting London for the first time or returning to see it again, The Lion King remains a truly unforgettable night out.