Disney’s THE LION KING has shattered the Regent Theatre’s presale record following an unprecedented response from Melbourne theatregoers, with more tickets sold during the presale than for any previous production in the venue’s history.
Melbourne audiences are on step close to experiencing the internationally acclaimed musical, with performances commencing from Thursday 25 March 2027.
Returning to Melbourne for the first time since 2015, the six-time Tony Award-winning musical will once again immerse audiences in its extraordinary blend of storytelling, breathtaking visuals and iconic music when the curtain comes up at the Regent Theatre.
Currently playing to sold-out houses in Sydney, the production has broken records across cities, becoming the fastest-selling show in the history of the Capitol Theatre and also recording the highest-selling musical presale in Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) history.
The world’s #1 musical, THE LION KING is brought to life by an extraordinary company of performers from Australia, New Zealand and around the world. Now embarking on its third Australian tour, the landmark production has been experienced by more than 127 million people globally, a testament to the enduring power of its groundbreaking theatrical artistry.
Buyi Zama leads the cast as Rafiki. She plays this iconic role for a third time here, having also held the role in the 2003 and 2013 tours. Zama is joined on stage by Nick Afoa as Mufasa, another alumni member of THE LION KING global family after making his theatre debut twelve years ago as Simba.
Completing the principal cast is Daniel Frederiksen as Scar, Benn Welford as Zazu, Aphiwe Nyezi as Simba, Emily Nkomo as Nala, Jamie McGregor as Timon, Rutene Spooner as Pumbaa, Ezra Williams as Shenzi, Winston Hillyer as Banzai and Mat Verevis as Ed.
A group of talented and diverse performers make up the ensemble, including: Shugri Abdi, Mario Acosta-Cevallos, Claire Abaijah-Griffin, Tara Bajan, Evangeline Batucan, Sophie Dadge, Ed Deganos, Leorate Dibatana, Junior Dilape, Matt Domingo, Joe Gaudion, Mukelisiwe Goba, Chaska Halliday, Jayme-Lee Hanekom, Annie-Lenore Hanman, Hamish Johnston, Khaya Mniki, Iteboge Modipane, Kearabetswe Mogotsi, Steven Mokone, Lwazi Mzimase, Buhle Nkomo, Rania Potaka-Osborne, Jack Rowan, , Laila Salloum, Asmara Soekotjo, Chemon Theys, Clifford Tlomatsana, Dean Vince, Tarisai Vushe, Brendan Xavier, Asemahle Xenti and Angel Zuma.
THE LION KING is the ninth Disney Theatrical Group production to tour the country over the past three decades, following acclaimed national tours of Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Mary Poppins and Frozen.
Now in its fourth decade as a theatrical producer, Disney Theatrical is led by Managing Director Andrew Flatt and Executive Producer Anne Quart.
Disney’s THE LION KING continues at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre until 1 November, before heading to Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre – QPAC from 15 November 2026, and Melbourne’s Regent Theatre from 25 March 2027. For more information, visit: www.thelionkingmusical.com.au for details.
Image: Aphiwe Nyezi as Simba in The Lion King – photo by Daniel Boud