Disney’s The Lion King, the world’s #1 musical, is coming to Brisbane, bringing with it the spectacle, artistry and unforgettable music that has redefined musical theatre on a global scale.
More than ten years after the six-time Tony Award winning production was last on stage at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), a new generation of theatregoers will join long-time fans in experiencing this epic theatrical masterpiece with performances from Sunday 15 November 2026.
The 2014 season of The Lion King at QPAC received a remarkable reception in Brisbane, breaking records by selling more tickets in a single day than any show before it and going on to completely sell out its 19-week season. This production marks the second run of The Lion King in Brisbane and the third time the show has been staged in Australia.
Internationally The Lion King has been seen by more than 124 million people worldwide, a testament to the lasting power of the show’s storytelling. The Lion King is the second highest selling show in QPAC history, behind only The Phantom of the Opera (1996). Now the production returns, giving Queensland audiences the chance to make their way back to Pride Rock.
The Lion King will arrive in Brisbane directly following a season in Sydney, where the production is currently playing to sold-out houses, and has been celebrated by audiences and critics alike:
“The Lion King reminds you why we go to the theatre” – Time Out Sydney
As The Lion King heads to Brisbane, Disney Theatrical Group is proud to continue offering accessible performances, allowing everyone the chance to experience the magic of live theatre. Accessible performances are tailored to support attendance for a diverse range of audience preferences and create a space where all audience members are encouraged to be themselves. Further details about accessible performances in Brisbane will be announced at a later date.
The Lion King brings together exceptional talent from Australia, New Zealand and around the world, who give life to the beloved characters of this epic theatrical masterpiece.
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, Jacob Rozario, Laila Salloum, Asmara Soekotjo, Chemon Theys, Clifford Tlomatsana, Dean Vince, Tarisai Vushe, Brendan Xavier, Asemahle Xenti and Angel Zum.
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 headed by Managing Director Andrew Flatt and Executive Producer Anne Quart.
Disney’s The Lion King Brisbane Season plays at the Lyric Theatre – QPAC from 15 November. Tickets go on sale Thursday 23 July 2026. The Sydney Season of Disney’s The Lion King continues at the Capitol Theatre until 4 October 2026. For more information, visit: www.thelionkingmusical.com.au for details.
Images: Aphiwe Nyezi as Simba – photo by Cylla von Tiedemann | Daniel Frederiksen as Scar and Nick Afoa as Mufasa – photo by Daniel Boud | Lionesses – photo by Daniel Boud