As the British summer temperatures rise and we could almost pretend we were in the African desert, it’s time to discover this week’s tropical Tony Award winning production: The Lion King!

Based on the 1994 animated film of the same name, The Lion King tells the story of Simba, a young lion, and his journey to becoming king. With evil uncle Scar on the scene, Simba flees from his family and makes friends with Timon, a meerkat, and Pumbaa, a warthog. Simba’s love interest Nala comes after him to tell him about the awful things Scar and his tribe of hyenas is doing to the lions. Eventually, Simba returns and joins the lions to take back Pride Rock, the land that is rightfully theirs.

The Lion King is packed with songs that are beloved around the world including ‘Circle of Life’, ‘Be Prepared’, ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’, ‘I Just Can’t Wait To Be King’ and, of course, ‘Hakuna Matata’.

Directed by Julie Taymor (who was the first female director to win the Tony) and boasting spectacular and unique puppetry, the show is a visual treat and is popular amongst audience members of all ages. The Lion King is still running today on Broadway, the West End and on a UK and Ireland tour.

FACTS:

Music: Elton John

Lyrics: Tim Rice

Book: Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi

Original Broadway Theatre: New Amsterdam Theatre (moving to the Minskoff Theatre on 13 June 2006)

Original Production Run: 15 October 1997 (with an opening of 13 November 1997) to present

TONYS:

NOMINATED: Best Book of a Musical – Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, Best Original Score – Elton John, Tim Rice, Hans Zimmer, Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin and Julie Taymor, Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical – Samuel E. Wright, Best Performed by a Featured Actress in a Musical – Tsidii Le Loka, Best Orchestrations – Robert Elhai, David Metzger and Bruce Fowler

WON: Best Musical, Best Direction of a Musical – Julie Taymor, Best Choreography – Garth Fagan, Best Scenic Design – Richard Hudson, Best Costume Design – Julie Taymor, Best Lighting Design – Donald Holder

Watch Tony nominated Tsidii Le Loka and the original cast of The Lion King perform Circle of Life at the 1998 Tony Awards: 

The cast of The Lion King returned to perform Circle of Life again at the 2008 Tony Awards as part of the musical’s 10th birthday celebrations: