Disney Launches 'Exploring THE LION KING' at National Geographic

The Walt Disney Company today launched an exclusive new exhibition Exploring THE LION KING at London's National Geographic Store.
 
Revealing the inspiration behind Disney's groundbreaking production of THE LION KING,  this interactive exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to discover -  through sketches, original models, film, photography and video touch screens - how acclaimed director and designer Julie Taymor, along with the show's creative team, conceived and created the Tony and Olivier-Award winning musical.
 
This innovative exhibition reveals the craftsmanship behind THE LION KING, showcasing complete costumes for many of the much-loved characters, including Mufasa, Zazu and Rafiki, along with the masks created for Simba and Nala. Also exhibited are a series of original maquettes (miniature models), including Scar, Simba, Banzai and the Grasslands, an original set model from the production and behind-the-scenes interviews and archive materials, which have been incorporated into interactive video touch screens.
 
Exploring THE LION KING marks the first time a complete exhibition has been devoted to THE LION KING in the UK. It is now on display until 17th October 2010 in the National Geographic Store's 150-square-metre gallery space, which has recently hosted exhibitions from some of the world's leading wildlife and adventure photographers. Entrance to the exhibition is free of charge and can be visited at any time during the store's opening hours.
 
Julie Taymor, a director and designer of theatre, opera and film, has achieved worldwide acclaim for her innovative production of THE LION KING, which combines performers, masks, puppetry, ritual and large theatrical landscapes. She was entrusted by Disney Theatrical Productions to transform the beloved 1994 animated feature film into a stage musical drawing upon her vast and varied experience of myriad theatrical styles and cultures, most prominently African tribal design and masks and Balinese puppetry and movement.
 
Now entering its twelfth year at the Lyceum Theatre, THE LION KING continues to reign as one of the most popular shows in London and around the world. This acclaimed production has welcomed over 8 million theatre-goers in London and is now the ninth longest-running musical in West End history. Worldwide, more than 52 million people have seen the stage musical in 13 different countries and in five different languages.

For more information about Exploring THE LION KING, or to book tickets for THE LION KING at the Lyceum Theatre, visit www.thelionking.co.uk .

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