Kayi Ushe will take on the iconic role of ‘Simba’ when The West End production of Disney’s The Lion King returns to the Lyceum Theatre on 29th July 2021, where the production has been seen by over 16 million people in the last two decades.
Kayi Ushe joins the show having performed in The Book of Mormon, Motown The Musical and Crazy For You, as well as touring extensively as ‘Lola’ in Kinky Boots. The Lion King will welcome 14 new members to its cast of over 50 actors, singers and dancers when it reopens.
Since the premiere of Julie Taymor’s internationally celebrated stage adaptation on Broadway in 1997, The Lion King has entertained more than 100 million theatregoers in 25 productions worldwide. When the show closed its doors on Sunday 15th March 2020, due to the pandemic, it was the West End’s best-selling stage production and the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time.
When did you find out you would be taking on the iconic role of Simba when The Lion King returns to The West End, and how did you feel when you got the news?
I found out I’d be playing the role of Simba in The Lion King West End towards the end of 2019 and it floored me. I remember falling back onto my sofa when I received the news from my agent. I’ve always wanted to be part of the legacy of The Lion King and so to be told I was going to be a part of the show was a lot, not to mention to be joining as Simba.
It’s such a beloved musical, when did you first see The Lion King, and did you ever imagine you’d be on that stage?
This show means so much to so many people. I remember when I first watched the show, I felt like I had come home. I had seen a few West End shows before but never watched something like The Lion King. I thought maybe, hopefully I would be in the show one day but had no sights specifically set on a part.
You’ve performed in a range of musicals, from The Book of Mormon to Kinky Boots, what are you looking forward to most about playing Simba?
I’m looking forward to exploring this well-known part in this well-known show. The character of Simba means so much to so many, so to be able to lend myself to the telling of his story is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I can’t wait.
Why do you think the character of Simba means so much to audiences?
The character of Simba is so resonant to so many people. He’s a character who loses someone close to him and in the process loses a part of himself. He goes on a journey of self-discovery and through it all realises who he is and who he was always meant to be. I believe all of us can resonate to some part of that journey and by coming back and reclaiming his kingdom he inspires hope. I think, given the past year and a bit, we can all resonate with the line “I know that the night must end, I know that the sun will rise.”
How have rehearsals been going? What measures have had to be put in place to keep you all safe?
Rehearsals have been physically exhausting and super enriching. After having been at home for so long, the rehearsal process for it has been hard work. But it is work I feel blessed to be doing and work that has left me empowered at the end of each day. Our team has gone above and beyond to keep us all safe during this time. In all aspects of our return to full time work. We’ve all been through the same thing globally, but it has taken its toll on us all individually and our team has really gone to every length to keep us safe and supported.
Do you have a favourite part of the show yet?
My favourite part of the show so far has to be “He Lives in You (Reprise)”. It’s such a moving moment in the show, emotionally, spiritually, visibly, you name it. Words can’t really do it justice. The whole show is so visually stimulating but in this part of the show, the expansive stage used in its entirety to provide such an intimate moment gives me goosebumps.
What are you looking forward to most about seeing The Lyceum Theatre burst back into life?
I’m most looking forward to people having their home back. Company and audience alike. We’ve been so starved of theatre and as shows start to come back and you see the responses from performers and spectators it really goes to show there’s nothing like live theatre. When The Lion King returns to its rightful place at the Lyceum, the whole West End will hear us roar.
What would you say to anyone who’s thinking of making The Lion King their first trip back to the theatre?
I’d say, you picked a great show. I hope you came hungry, because you’re in for a musical, emotional and visual feast.
Kayi Ushe plays Simba in The Lion King at The Lyceum Theatre. Tickets are on sale here.
