Disney’s hit West End show The Lion King has announced new casting for its long-running musical at the Lyceum Theatre in London.
The role of Simba in the show is currently played by Owen Chaponda, who will finish up at the Lyceum Theatre on 4 May 2025.
Simba will then be played by Stephenson Ardern-Sodje (Passing Strange, Hamilton, Once on This Island, Starter for Ten, Rock Follies), who has starred in the role during The Lion King’s UK and Ireland Tour, and will perform in London from 6 May until 28 September 2025.
The role will then be performed by Hope Maine (Disney’s Hercules, The Lion King) from 30 September 2025 until 25 January 2026.
Stephenson Ardern-Sodje said in a statement: “I am delighted to be returning to the Pridelands as Simba, having previously had the joy of playing the role on the UK & Ireland tour. Joining the iconic London production at the Lyceum Theatre, which recently celebrated 10,000 performances, is a dream come true.”
Other new cast members joining on 6 May 2025 include Pierre van Heerden as Pumbaa, and Sadia McEwen as Shenzi.
Current principal cast of The Lion King includes George Asprey as Scar, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, Thenjiwe Nofemele as Rafiki, Gary Jordan as Zazu, Alan McHale as Timon, Merryl Ansah as Nala, Jorell Coiffic-Kamall as Banzai and Mark Tatham as Ed.
New members of the ensemble cast include Solomon Gordon, Reece McKenzie, Candida Mosoma, Nicholas Nkuna, Andrew Parfitt, Jessica Reeve and Rochelle Sherona.
Since opening in 1999, The Lion King has captivated audiences with its stunning visuals, innovative puppetry, and unforgettable soundtrack.
Earlier this month the musical hit a major milestone, overtaking Blood Brothers to become the sixth longest-running show in West End history, and the fourth longest-running musical.
Other recent milestones include celebrating its 10,000th performance on 25 February 2025, and on 19 October 2024 the show celebrated 25 years in the West End.
The Lion King is adapted for the stage by Julie Taymor, and continues to enthrall audiences globally, boasting 25 productions in nine languages. The show features music by Elton John and Tim Rice, additional material by Lebo M, Julie Taymor, and Mark Mancina, and a book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi. The creative team includes Richard Hudson (scenic design), Donald Holder (lighting), and Garth Fagan (choreography).
Currently playing at the Lyceum Theatre, The Lion King is booking through 26 October 2025.
Book tickets to The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre London
Lyceum Theatre, London
Related News
Discover London’s most haunted theatres and ghost stories from the West End
8 kid-friendly theatre shows to see in London this autumn(that the whole family will enjoy)
Already seen Phantom, Les Mis or Hamilton? Here are the 6 West End shows to book next
Is Hamilton worth seeing in 2026?: For history buffs and rap fans, not for a light night out
Latest News
Everything you need to know about The Traitors: Acts of Betrayal in London
Nina Raine’s sweeping new adaptation of Middlemarch arrives at the RSC: See brand-new images from the production
What to expect from Pride the Musical ahead of highly anticipated transfer to the Bridge Theatre
