London The Lion King Will Welcome New Nala, Simba, and More

The international hit musical continues in the West End at the Lyceum Theatre.

March 24, 2026 By Andrew Gans

Asha Parker-Wallace and Posi Morakinyo (Perou)

The long-running London production of Disney's The Lion King, now in its 27th year at the Lyceum Theatre, will welcome several new cast members beginning May 5.

Posi Morakinyo and Asha Parker-Wallace will take over the roles of Simba and Nala, respectively. The two actors just concluded starring in the acclaimed Almeida production of American Psycho. Morakinyo also recently appeared in the West End production of For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy and the RSC’s Much Ado About Nothing. Parker-Wallace's recent credits include Burlesque The Musical at The Savoy Theatre and Starter for Ten at Bristol Old Vic and Birmingham Rep.

In a statement Morakinyo said, “It’s an honor to be taking on the role of Simba in The Lion King. I'm excited to start this new adventure and be a part of this iconic show, sharing the stage with Asha once again.”

Parker-Wallace added: “It’s been so much fun working with Posi over the past few months. Now, playing the iconic roles of Simba and Nala on stage together at the Lyceum Theatre is a dream."

The duo will also be joined by new company members, including Stuart Neal as Timon, Michael Jeremiah as Banzai, and Simone Robinson as Sarabi, while Raul Reinoso, Steve Cornwall, Gabrielle de Souza, Lindokuhle Thabede, Marcellus Whyte, and Shayna McPherson join the ensemble.

Purchase The Lion King memorabilia in the Playbill Store.

The Lion King began its stage life in October 1997 at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre, before transferring to the Minskoff, where it continues, in June 2006. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The show’s director, costume designer, and mask co-designer, Julie Taymor, was the first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical; she continues to supervise new productions of the show around the world.

The international hit musical has also earned more than 70 major arts awards, including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year, and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

Watch: International Casts of The Lion King Perform Multilingual 'Circle of Life'

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s songs from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer; and music from Rhythm of the Pride Lands, an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, and Hans Zimmer. The book was adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay.

The Lion King made its U.K. premiere in 1999, reuniting the shows full creative team. Taymor and Michael Curry created hundreds of masks and puppets for this production.

Visit TheLionKing.co.uk.