Meet the West End cast of The Lion King

Posted on 21 Mar 2025

Now in it’s 26th year at the Lyceum Theatre this the acclaimed reimagining of Disney’s beloved film, The Lion King, has redefined the expectations of theatregoers. Exploding onto the stage with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music the musical tells the powerful story of Simba as he journeys from a wide-eyed cub to his destiny as King of the Pridelands.

Who are the current Lion King cast members?

Since its premiere in 1999 in London The Lion King has been seen by 19 million people and remains one of the best selling musicals in London to date. Globally the show has been seen by more than 114 million people with 25 productions worldwide and has played in every continent except Antartica! Featuring songs such as I Just Can’t Wait To Be King, Can You Feel The Love Tonight and Circle Of Life, all penned by Elton John with lyrics by Tim Rice it’s clear to see why The Lion King truly is The King Of The Musicals!

The current cast of The Lion King are

George Asprey (Scar), Shaun Escoffery (Mufasa), Thenjiwe Nofemele (Rafiki), Gary Jordan (Zazu), Alan McHale (Timon), Mark Roper (Pumbaa), Owen Chaponda (Simba), Merryl Ansah (Nala), Melone M’kenzy (Shenzi), Jorrell Coiffic-Kamall (Banzai), Mark Tatham (Ed) and Nathaniel Morgan Bennett (Young Simba). Stephenson Ardern-Sodje will return as Simba from 6 May 2025 until 28 September, having previously played the role on the UK and Ireland tour. Hope Maine will then play the role until 25 January 2026.

Sharing the role of Young Simba and Young Nala are Nathaniel Morgan Bennett, Noelle Coker, Jackson Daniel-Child, Ebrahim Amaar Joof, Keilah Kofi, Mason Mingle, Jazmyn Lewin and Raphaella Philberrt.

And what about those all-important Ensemble and Standby Roles?

Completing the full cast ensemble and covering when the main cast are indisposed are Garry Lake, Barnaby Thompson, Etian A Almedia, Moya Angela, Gibsa Bah, Lwando Bam, Bethany Chan, Stedroy Cabey, Azole Dlamini, Darius Drooh, Lwando Dutyulwa, Maya Elliot, Paola Farei, Adebunmi Gabriel, Gesztenye, Sandile Gontsana, Solomon Gordon, Emily Grace-Ling, Gavin Hart, Donna Hines, Bonginkosi Jay Hlatshwayo, Candice Holdford, Cristiane De Jesus, Robdon De Jesus, Phumelele Jili, Olivia Jones, Tramaine Lamy, Tomas Larraguivel, Lamoi Leon, Jane Carla Leynes, Franciso Lins, Stephanie Tsz Maan Lo, Gennaro Maffettone, Sadie McEwen, Reece McKenzie, Daniel Mejia, Siphosihle Mlombile, Candida Mosoma, Nicholas Nkuna, Ntethelelo Nhlapo, Nosipho Nkonqa, Phindile Nyandeni, Peace Nzirawa, Sethabile Nzuza, Abigail Overmeyer, Andrew Parfitt, Jessica Reeve, Lawrence Rowe, Rochelle Sherona, Dillan Hope Suttle, Jahrel Thomas and Karlene Wray.

Who were the original West End cast members?

After 26 years in the West End, six Tonys Awards in 1998, one for best Musical Show Album in 1999 and accolades from the NY Drama Critics Circle and Laurence Olivier Awards, let's look back at the original West End Cast from when the show first opened in London. The cast included Cornell John as Mufasa, Luke Youngblood as Young Simba, Dominique Moore as Young Nala, Martyn Ellis as Pumbaa, Simon Gregor as Timon, Rob Edwards as Scar, Paul J. Medford as Banzai and Josette Bushell-Mingo as Rafiki.

Book tickets to The Lion King today!

Journey to the Pridelands with all the characters from The Lion King and immerse yourself into a world that captures the magic of the African savanna – book tickets to see The Lion King today!

🎫 Book The Lion King tickets now.