Disney’s The Lion King celebrates a whopping 20 years on the West End in a couple of weeks! One of the most recognisable and beloved stage musicals across the world, The Lion King is the West End’s best-selling stage production and sixth longest-running West End musical of all time.
To celebrate two decades of delighting over 16 million theatregoers on the West End, The Lion King is holding a red carpet gala performance on Saturday 19 October at the Lyceum Theatre in support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Royal Academy of Music.
With the original score for the Lion King written by musical legend Elton John, Disney Theatrical Productions proudly supports the Elton John AIDS foundation. The foundation works to combat stigma, prevent infections, provide treatment and services, and motivate governments to end AIDS.
The Elton John foundation raises funds for evidence-based programs and policies, and speaks out with honesty and compassion about the realities of people’s lives. Over the last quarter century the foundation has raised more than $450 million globally to fund their goals.
Disney Theatrical Productions also supports a promotion of diversity in musical theatre through its scholarships at the Royal Academy of Music. The Royal Academy of Music has been training musicians to the highest professional standards since its foundation in 1822.
In a collaborative effort to redress the under-representation of BAME performers in musical theatre, Disney Theatrical Productions has offered seven scholarships to the Academy’s Musical Theatre MA course over the last two years to students from a diverse backgrounds.
To coincide with their 20th anniversary, the musical is also setting off on a second UK and Ireland tour.
Tickets are now on sale to The Lion King’s red carpet gala performance on the 19 October. Guests will receive a complimentary welcome drink as well as a souvenir 20th anniversary brochure to remember this very special evening. The dress code is formal, so brush off your fancy shoes and get ready for a magical night in aid of two incredible causes.