Lyceum Theatre London The Lion King Musical

The Lion King is an award-winning Broadway and West End musical that is performed at the Lyceum Theatre. It is based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same name. The production features characters in animal costumes and giant, hollow puppets, and it is directed by Julie Taymor.

The story follows the journey of a young lion prince named Simba. When Simba is born, his evil uncle Scar is pushed to second in line for the throne. Scar plans to kill both Simba and his father, King Mufasa, in order to become king. Simba survives the attack but is led to believe that his father died because of him. Overwhelmed with guilt, Simba decides to flee the kingdom. The musical incorporates several changes and additions to the storyline compared to the original movie.

The Lyceum Theatre has a rich history dating back to 1772 when the Society of Arts established a space for exhibitions and concerts near the current location. Throughout its history, the theater has undergone various transformations and adaptations to accommodate changing styles and needs. In its early days, the theater hosted a range of entertainment, including hot air balloon shows, animal circuses, and fireworks displays.

In 1802, Madame Tussaud’s first waxwork exhibition took place at the Lyceum. The theater also served as a temporary venue for the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, which had suffered a fire. After a fire damaged the Lyceum in 1830, architect Samuel Beazley designed the current building, and his impressive portico still stands today. In 1834, the Lyceum faced restrictions that prevented minor theaters from staging dramas without musical interludes, but those restrictions were lifted with the 1834 Licensing Act.

Once the restrictions were lifted, the theater began to showcase Shakespearean plays and classical works. In 1878, the Lyceum experienced a significant turning point when Henry Irving took over the lease and Ellen Terry became his leading lady. This renowned partnership earned them the titles of “Lord and Lady of the Lyceum.” However, Irving’s declining health led him to relinquish control of the theater in 1898, marking the end of an era. Despite efforts to find a buyer, the theater was ultimately demolished and rebuilt in 1904.

The new building, designed by Bertie Crew, initially served as a music hall. From 1909 to 1938, the Melville Brothers staged successful melodramas at the Lyceum. In 1934, Princesses Margaret and Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) attended their first pantomime at the theater. However, by 1939, the new owners, the London B52 - Wade Crawley is back with a great B52 concert review! If you remember, Wade wrote for us Punk music in the late seventies. Now read his new exclusive article for ManuelMarino.com! The B52’s, London Roundhouse It was on a hot and very sweaty summer night in London’s trendy Camden and a packed audience of all… City Council, planned to replace the theater with a traffic roundabout.

John Gielgud, Ellen Terry’s nephew, brought the theater full circle with six farewell performances of Hamlet, declaring, “Long live the Lyceum!” However, the outbreak of World War II disrupted the celebratory atmosphere, and plans for demolition were put on hold. In 1945, Mecca Ballrooms acquired the lease, and the theater was transformed into a large dance floor.

By 1986, the Lyceum was once again vacant, but less than a decade later, its decline was halted. Apollo Leisure came to the rescue in 1994 and obtained permission to restore the theater to its former glory. Today, the Lyceum Theatre boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a luxurious red and gold auditorium. With productions like Jesus Christ Superstar and The Lion King calling it home, the “Lyceum roar” can once again be heard in this esteemed theater.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME