Posi Morakinyo and Asha Parker-Wallace will join the landmark London production of The Lion King as Simba and Nala from Tuesday 5 May 2026.
The pair recently starred together in the Almeida Theatre’s acclaimed production of American Psycho. Morakinyo has also appeared in For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy in the West End and the RSC’s Much Ado About Nothing. Parker-Wallace’s recent credits include Burlesque The Musical at The Savoy Theatre and Starter for Ten at Bristol Old Vic and Birmingham Rep.
Posi Morakinyo said: “It’s an honour to be taking on the role of Simba in The Lion King. I’m excited to start this new adventure and be a part of this iconic show, sharing the stage with Asha once again”.
Asha Parker-Wallace added: “It’s been so much fun working with Posi over the past few months. Now, playing the iconic roles of Simba and Nala on stage together at the Lyceum Theatre is a dream”.
To celebrate the announcement, The Lion King partnered with renowned photographer Perou to release a new series of images of the duo at iconic locations across London.
They will be joined by several new company members, including Stuart Neal as Timon, Michael Jeremiah as Banzai and Simone Robinson as Sarabi. Additional ensemble members include Raul Reinoso, Steve Cornwall, Gabrielle de Souza, Lindokuhle Thabede, Marcellus Whyte and Shayna McPherson.
Julie Taymor’s internationally acclaimed stage adaptation of The Lion King has become a global phenomenon since its Broadway premiere in 1997, with 29 productions staged worldwide in nine languages.
The production is celebrated for its visual artistry and innovative design, drawing on diverse cultural influences to recreate the vibrancy of the African savanna.
Taymor, who became the first woman to win the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical, brought her extensive experience in epic theatre, opera and ritualistic puppetry to the show. She and Michael Curry created hundreds of masks and puppets for the production.
The London staging retains the original Broadway creative team, including scenic designer Richard Hudson, lighting designer Donald Holder, costume designer Julie Taymor, choreographer Garth Fagan and book writers Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi.
The score expands on the animated film’s original music, now featuring 15 numbers. South African composer Lebo M contributed new material blending African rhythms and vocal arrangements, while Elton John and Tim Rice added three new songs to their award-winning originals.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
