On sale dates have been announced for a seven-week extension of the musical The Lion King, now running at the Manchester Palace Theatre from 27 October 2022-19 February 2023. 

The extension coincides with the show celebrating its 20 millionth guest in the UK. The landmark production has now been seen by over 110 million people in 100 cities around the world.

The Lion King touring company includes Stephenson Ardern-Sodje as Simba and Nokwanda Khuzwayo as Nala, who previously played in the Germany and Brazil production. Ireland’s Alan Mchale returns in a new role as Timon with Cardiff born newcomer Owain Rhys Davies taking the role of Ed. They join returning principals Matthew Forbes as Zazu, Jean-Luc Guizonne as Mufasa, Richard Hurst as Scar, Rebecca Omogbehin as Shenzi, Thandazile Soni as Rafiki, Carl Sanderson as Pumbaa and Simon Trinder as Banzai.

The UK & Ireland tour cast also includes: Lwando Bam, Mamido Bomboko Souchu, Khanyisani Beato, Jorell Coiffic-Kamall, Rushand Chambers, Tau-En Chien, Elisa Chou, Tevin Daniel, Tim Driesen, Oraine Frater, Adebunmi Gabriel, Brian Gilligan, Daniel Griffith, Alicia Hayward, Zalika Henry, Caleaf Henson, Olivia Jones, Melvin Le Blanc, Jochebel Maccarthy, Zanele Mazibuko, Fallon Mondlane, Zanele Ndlovu, Buhle Nkomo, Craig Pedro, Joaquin Pedro Valdes, Connor Pelé Williams, Tara Price, Kyle Richardson, Cristiane Santos De Jesus, Lukin Simmonds, Sherry Tay, Francesca Thompson, Maria Yim and Bukiwe Zinganto.

Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, Sheona Southern, said: "We are delighted to welcome Disney's sensational musical The Lion King back to Manchester. A major international show of this calibre and popularity delivers enormous benefits to our hotels, restaurants, and attractions. The return of iconic production The Lion King strengthens Greater Manchester's growing events offer and ultimately helps draw visitors back to the city-region."

Priority tickets for the extension will be available from 10am on 13 June, with the general sale will begin 10am on 17 June. For more information, please click here.