Disney announces new Simba and Nala for West End production of THE LION KING

Shehrazade Zafar-Arif 24 March, 2026, 14:31

The West End production of Disney's The Lion King, now in its 27th year, has announced that Posi Morakinyo and Asha Parker-Wallace will take over the roles of Simba and Nala from Tuesday 5th May 2026.

Pos Morakinyo and Asha Park Wallace. Photo by Perou.

About The Lion King

Julie Taymor’s internationally celebrated stage adaptation of The Lion King opened on Broadway in 1997, with the full creative team reuniting in 1999 to bring the show to London. Based on the beloved Disney classic, The Lion King tells the story of young lion prince Simba, who is forced to flee his home after his cruel uncle murders his father and usurps the throne. Now grown, Simba must take back his kingdom and find his place in the Circle of Life.

The show is a tour de force in professional puppetry, featuring over 200 puppets that bring the animals of the African Savannah to jaw-dropping life. Set to a timeless score by Elton John and Tim Rice, The Lion King contains beloved songs from the film like 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight', 'The Circle of Life' and 'I Just Can't Wait To Be King', as well as new numbers written especially for the musical.

The new cast members

Posi Morakinyo and Asha Parker-Wallace will be stepping into the iconic roles of Simba and Nala. The pair have just concluded starring alongside one another in the acclaimed Almeida production of American Psycho. Morakinyo has recently appeared in the West End production of For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy and The RSC’s Much Ado About Nothing. Parker-Wallace has recently appeared in Burlesque The Musical at The Savoy Theatre and Starter for Ten at Bristol Old Vic and Birmingham Rep.

They will be joined by new company members including Stuart Neal as Timon, Michael Jeremiah as Banzai and Simone Robinson as Sarabi. Raul Reinoso, Steve Cornwall, Gabrielle de Souza, Lindokuhle Thabede, Marcellus Whyte and Shayna McPherson join the ensemble.

The creative team

The London production features scenic design by British designer Richard Hudson, lighting by Donald Holder, costume design by Julie Taymor, and choreography by Garth Fagan. The book is adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated feature and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay.

The new cast members will be performing from 5th May 2026. The Lion King, a long-running staple of the West End, is currently playing at the Lyceum Theatre.

The Lion King Tickets