It has been announced that Owen Chaponda and Merryl Ansah will be heading to Pride Rock, taking over the roles of Simba and Nala respectively in Disney’s The Lion King in London, marking a return for them both to the production having previously starred in the ensemble

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.”

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.”

Rhiane Drummond will also join the production as Shenzi, with Jorell Coiffic-Kamall joining as Banzai. 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 join the ensemble. 

The new cast members will begin performances on 9 May. 

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