News: Full cast revealed for Disney’s The Lion King UK and Ireland tour

Full casting has been announced for the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of Disney’s musical The Lion King.

Stephenson Ardern-Sodje is set to lead the cast as Simba, following a career behind the scenes at ITV’s Coronation Street and Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures. The actor made his stage debut in Hamilton in the West End.

Cast also features Nokwanda Khuzwayo as Nala, Alan Mchale as Timon, Owain Rhys Davies as Ed, 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 tour reopens in Dublin this December before visiting Bristol, Bradford, Cardiff, Southampton and Manchester, with more cities to be announced.

Having played in more than 20 countries, The Lion King is the landmark musical featuring 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.

Further cast for the production 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.

Created and brought to life by Julie Taymor, the musical features scenic design by Richard Hudson, lighting by Donald Holder, costume design by Julie Taymor and choreography by Garth Fagan. The book is adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated feature and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay.

Check out the latest theatre news.