The Lion King ready for four-month run at Manchester Palace Theatre

Nov 14 2012 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

Disney’s The Lion King is getting ready to roar when it reaches Manchester for a four-month run at the Palace Theatre.

The global phenomenon, inspired by the 1994 box office smash of the same name, arrives on December 6 and stays until March 31, 2013.

Since premiering on Broadway in 1997, the award-winning show has been seen by more than 65 million people worldwide.

The tour, which has been four years in the planning, features a company of 52 outstanding performers, and will visit 10 cities across the UK and Ireland over the next two-and-a-half years.

Now in its 13th year in the West End, the popular production will continue to play London’s Lyceum throughout the national tour.

Last year the show completed its best financial year to date, smashing industry records for the highest annual grossing box office in the West End.

Thomas Schumacher, producer and president of Disney Theatrical Productions, said: “We continue to be thrilled by how UK audiences have enjoyed The Lion King in London, and have long wished to also share this production with audiences nationally.

“Following years of planning, and after receiving the counsel of some very smart friends in the British theatre world, we are delighted to be launching a production that conveys Julie Taymor’s epic vision and at a moment that feels absolutely right.”

The production has been performed in 15 countries on five continents, and has been translated into six different languages.

Drawing from a vast range of theatrical styles, The Lion King tells the journey of lion cub Simba and his struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role of king.

For tickets, priced £20-£75 visit www.atgtickets.com or call the box office on 0844 871 3004.