Photo Flash: Disney's THE LION KING Opens at Birmingham Hippodrome

Disney's award-winning musical THE LION KING received its official premiere at Birmingham Hippodrome on Thursday, 4th July. The performance was greeted by an enthusiastic standing ovation from the capacity audience. THE LION KING will continue its season at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 28th September, before transferring to the Edinburgh Playhouse for its Scottish Premiere. Scroll down for photos of the cast in action!

This touring production of Disney's THE LION KING was in development for four years and is the biggest stage production ever to tour the UK. With an international cast of 52 performers from 17 different countries, the production is transported in 23 trucks, bringing Julie Taymor's full-scaled, internationally celebrated production to audiences across the Ireland and the UK.

The acclaimed stage adaptation of Disney's 1994 animated film was first seen on Broadway in 1997 and has now been seen by almost 70 million people across six continents. The London production recently welcomed its 11 millionth guest at London's Lyceum Theatre where it remains the West End's best-selling musical.

In addition to the record-breaking productions in London and New York, Disney's THE LION KING can currently be seen in Tokyo, Hamburg, Madrid, Sao Paulo and on tours of the North America and Japan. The production will also open in Australia in December 2013.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from "Rhythm of the Pride Lands," an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award-winning song "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" to the haunting ballad "Shadowland."

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film's screenplay. Other members of the creative team include: Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian (production supervisor). Anne Quart serves as associate producer.

To book, visit www.thelionking.co.uk or call 0844 338 5000. For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com.

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