The Lion King at Birmingham Hippodrome: dates, plot, new songs, tickets & more

The internationally celebrated production of The Lion King is returning to Birmingham Hippodrome in 2023.

It’s the first time the Disney musical has been in Birmingham since 2013 - when it enjoyed a triumphant sell out run - breaking attendance records across the UK.

Since then Elton John and Tim Rice have added three new numbers to the five that they wrote for the award-winning score of the animated film.

What is the story behind Disney’s The Lion King?

The story of The Lion King leaps into life using spectacular masks, puppets and costumes to tell the story of Simba’s epic adventures, as he struggles with the responsibilities of adulthood and becoming king.

The stunning artistry of the production is the work of a team of designers which drew on diverse cultural influences to recreate the rich colours and vast expanses of the African savanna in this daring and inspiring reinvention of one of the most successful animated feature films of all time.

The stunning artistry of the production is the work of a team of designers which drew on diverse cultural influences to recreate the rich colours and vast expanses of the African savanna in this daring and inspiring reinvention of one of the most successful animated feature films of all time.

What about the music?

The original score from the animated film was expanded for the stage and now features 15 musical numbers.  As well as writing completely new songs, South African composer Lebo M created an evocative blend of African rhythms and chorales, with additional material by Julie Taymor and Mark Mancina.

Elton John and Tim Rice have added three new numbers to the five that they wrote for the award-winning score of the animated film. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, including the Academy Award®-winning Can You Feel The Love Tonight and the haunting Shadowland.

What dates is The Lion King at Birmingham Hippodrome?

The Lion King is at Birmingham Hippodrome from Thursday, July 6 to Saturday September 16 2023. There are evening performances from Tuesday to Saturday with some matinee performances and relaxed performances also.

How to get tickets to The Lion King

Tickets to the Lion King at Birmingham Hippodrome went on sale at 11am on Friday, October 14. They are priced from £20

To book yours, go to Birmingham Hippodrome website - but be quick, they’re selling out quick

What has Birmingham Hippodrome said about the return of The Lion King?

Birmingham Hippodrome Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jon Gilchrist said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome The Lion King to Birmingham Hippodrome for an amazing ten week run next Summer. It’s such an iconic production and we’re really proud that we can bring this internationally renowned show to the West Midlands as part of our stellar season next year.”

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