The Lion King Tickets

Musical theatre characters you love to hate. Well. Some of these musical theatre villains are so bad, you just hate them. Unfortunately, bad guys are often necessary to create tension, drive the plot forward, or just make the leads look really good. Some have very human, misguided reasons for their actions. Some are out of this world. And some of them are just outright vile. But who’s the worst? Here are the 20 greatest musical theatre villains ranked. 20. Aaron Burr - Hamilton Does incompetence and jealousy make you a villain? Well, in this case, yes it does. Hamilton’s narrator and Alexander’s rival, Aaron Burr, is a pitiful character that reminds us time and time again why we should dislike him. 19. Heather Chandler - Heathers The Musical She may be a victim, but she’s also a raging… tyrant. Heather Chandler - Heather Prime, if you will - is the leader of the popular clique at Westerberg High School. She’s beautiful. She’s smart. And she’s mean. So when our leading lady Veronica fights back, it feels like justice. 18. Audrey II - Little Shop Of Horrors If it was their nature, can we blame them? When it comes to eating humans, we can! The peopleeating plant monster in Little Shop Of Horrors may not be able to control his hunger, but the everpresent threat of being devoured by a botanical beast is peak villainous behaviour. 17. Regina George - Mean Girls What is it with high school girls? Regina George isn’t just one of the greatest musical theatre villains, she’s one of movie’s greatest villains, too. The conniving and manipulative mean girl loves to add a bit of sugar to her sour, making her traps even easier to fall into. 16. Hades - Hadestown He’s the god of the underworld. It’s possibly the most villainous role there is! In Hadestown, Hades spends a lot of energy trying to save face when it comes to the mortals. Including tricking them into deals they have no way of fulfilling. He’s a power-hungry, laser-focused dictator. Sounds like the archetypal real-life villain. 15. Ursula - The Little Mermaid Speaking of power-hungry, Ursula from The Little Mermaid is a manipulative queen with one goal in mind. She’s the villain we all secretly love and aspire to be. But it might just be the sass and confidence we crave. No one wants to treat a 16-year-old mermaid that badly. 14. Patrick Bateman - American Psycho Antiheroes just hit the spot, and when it comes to villainous leads, Patrick Bateman means business. Based on Bret Easton Ellis’ novel of the same name, American Psycho focuses on a competitive investment banker with a dark, violent secret. Though he may dress the part and sound the part, he can’t quite seem to make a good impression, and he’s mad about it. 13. Scar - The Lion King A vengeful brother willing to do anything to claim a crown that doesn’t belong to him. Sounds like most second-born children. But Scar takes it one step further by acting on his wicked plans. Not only does he plot against the king, but he hires henchmen to take out his nephew. That’s pretty despicable if you ask us! 12. King George III - Hamilton Pettiness and greed seem to be a theme with the baddies in Hamilton. And the true villain of the show is the evil King George III. The tyrannical King of England enforced heavy, restrictive taxes and trade laws on the American colonies, leading them to declare war and eventually take their independence. In the show, King George III only appears three times, reprising the same song. However, his presence is felt throughout the show. 11. Miss Hannigan - Annie Most people hate their jobs. But Miss Hannigan took it to a whole other level! Despite being the manager of an orphanage, Miss Hannigan is cruel and manipulative, not only punishing the children unfairly, but also trying to con Daddy Warbucks. 10. Miss Trunchbull - Matilda The Musical From one authoritarian in charge of children to another. Miss Trunchbull is every kid’s nightmare. She’s the head teacher of Matilda’s school. She’ll throw you in the chokey if you dare even look at her in the wrong way. And though dreadful, she does have a flair for creative punishments. 9. Sweeney Todd - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street He literally kills his customers and bakes them into pies. You want more? Fine. Sweeney Todd is a twisted tale of revenge. After he loses everything, Sweeney Todd swears to exact retribution. But as people get in his way, they become his victims. Slowly, he turns his barber shop into a slaughterhouse, and the remains are turned into meat. 8. Judge Turpin - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Sweeney Todd may seem like the ultimate villain of the show - given all the murdering - but it’s actually Judge Turpin who is the true fiend. In the show, it is revealed that Judge Turpin forced himself on Sweeney Todd’s wife, before exiling Todd. Driven insane by the situation, Todd’s wife commits suicide leaving the Judge in charge of her daughter, Johanna. Despite being his ward, the Judge tries to marry Johanna… you get the drift. He’s an evil man with money and power. And he’s definitely one of the greatest musical theatre villains of all time. 7. Bill Sikes - Oliver! Controlling, conniving and corrupt. Bill Sikes is the main villain in Oliver! Due to his viciousness and violent outbursts, Nancy is his reluctant partner. But even her gentleness can’t subdue him and he enacts some of the worst deeds in musical theatre history. 6. Lord Farquaad - Shrek We may love to laugh at Lord Farquaad, but he is one scary dude. The short king’s modus operandi is to remove all fairytale creatures from the land and find the perfect wife. And he’ll do anything to achieve those goals. And look, he didn’t have the best upbringing, but it doesn’t excuse his problematic behaviour. 5. Caboose - Starlight Express No one likes a cheat, and it might as well be Caboose’s middle name. The villainous train from Starlight Express is all about getting ahead, no matter who gets hurt. He sabotages the other engines in races and causes crashes. And in recent productions, he’s been money hungry and sly. Who knew a train could be so evil? 4. Orin Scrivello - Little Shop Of Horrors The ultimate red flag. Toxic beyond belief. Should be arrested because he threw out the Hippocratic oath and does, indeed, do a lot of harm. Audrey’s sadistic boyfriend, Orin Scrivello, is a dentist who treats nitrous oxide like a vape pen and loves to cause pain - to both his patients and Audrey. Though he gets his comeuppance, he’s still one of the most villainous characters in a musical. 3. Phantom - Phantom of the Opera Look. We all get our hyper fixations, but not many of us choose to kidnap young starlets and trap them in an underground lair. Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera may be a sympathetic villain, but a villain he is nonetheless. Not only does he lure Christine into a trap by promising to teach her how to sing, he also destroys part of the opera house, and he’s not afraid of disposing of people who get in his way. Scrap what we said. He’s not that sympathetic. 2. Judas - Jesus Christ Superstar This feels like an obvious one, but Judas is a complex villain in Jesus Christ Superstar, and here’s why. During the show, Judas is our narrator, so we get insight into his decisions. Though he loves Jesus, Judas believes the self-appointed title “Son of God” may attract too much attention from the Romans and could cause trouble. In hopes of curtailing any potential conflict, Judas offers Jesus up to the powers that be, unaware of the harsh treatment his friend will face. 1. Javert - Les Miserables Let’s be honest, if Javert didn’t exist, there would be no Les Mis. The morally confused jailer spends his whole life chasing after an ex-con just to satisfy his own sense of justice. Throughout the show, Jean Valjean takes on new identities and moves around France in the hopes of evading the vigilante police officer. And even though he has become an honest man who provides for his community, Javert will only ever see him as Prisoner 24601, and will do anything to bring him down. It’s the greatest tale of cat and mouse, and Javert is the greatest musical theatre villain in history

There are so many reasons for you to opt for tickets to matinee shows in London. Whether it’s a relaxed day off, a theatre trip that won’t disturb your strict 9pm bedtime, a sneaky trip to the theatre before the kids get out of after-school club, or because you can often find last-minute deals on theatre tickets, matinees are an awesome way to get your dramatic fill at a time that’s convenient for you. Matinee shows in London are a West End tradition, and most musicals and plays have at least one scheduled during the performance week. Most shows will have one matinee mid-week and one at the weekend, but this varies from show to show, so it’s important to check when your chosen show has its matinee performance before booking tickets. But before that, maybe we should go into what matinee theatre is and how it came about. What is matinee theatre? A matinee showing is an early performance. They usually start in the mid-afternoon (between 1.30pm and 3pm) and finish by approximately 5.30pm. What are the benefits of seeing matinee shows in London? Generally, matinees have a more relaxed atmosphere. They’re great for families, in part because of the atmosphere, but mostly due to the early finish time, making it easier for younger kids to sit through. Matinee theatre shows are also popular with older audience members. Due to the earlier finish time, travelling home is less daunting. Late-night trains in London can be quite chaotic, so an early evening commute is not to be sniffed at. As matinee showings are generally a no-go for 9-5 workers, the demand is lower, resulting in cheaper tickets. Though this isn’t a guarantee, it is worth exploring matinee theatre showings if you’re looking for cheap theatre tickets in London.

So you've finally convinced your reluctant friend (maybe that friend is you) to go to the theatre with you, but now they're anxious because they don't know what to expect. Fear not. We can fix that. Whether they don't know what to see, how to behave, or even what West End theatre is, you'll have an answer for everything with this handy West End theatre guide. So stick with us for some tips for visiting the West End as a first-timer, and you'll be a pro in no time. London West End theatre explained So what exactly is West End theatre? You can find out more about the West End with our London theatre district guide, but for a quick answer, the West End is an area in central London that homes 39 commercial theatre spaces. West End theatre is a musical or play that is staged in one of those commercial venues. Some productions are long-running musicals. Some are plays with strictly limited runs. Guide to West End shows for beginners With so many shows on in the West End, how do you choose which is the best show for a West End first-timer? We've broken it down into categories so you can make an informed decision. Fan favourites These are fan favourites for a reason and a sure-fire hit for any West End first-timer. Wicked, Matilda The Musical, MAMMA MIA!, Les Mis, Phantom of the Opera and Oliver! are all time-weathered favourites. And let's face it, these wouldn't have the global success they do unless they were crowd pleasers. If you're looking for a play, The Mousetrap is a brilliant Agatha Christie adaptation that has been staged for over 75 years! If you're looking for something familiar Knowledge is power, right? So seeing something familiar will make any West End first-timer feel at ease. There are plenty of stage adaptations of well-known films and TV shows to choose from. If you're looking for a musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a great starting point. Based on the high-energy Baz Luhrmann film, and featuring songs from well-known artists including David Bowie, it's a no-brainer. If that's a bit too much raunch and excitement for a first time, The Devil Wears Prada, Beetlejuice The Musical, or even Heathers The Musical could be the one to choose. Really not down with the whole West End musical thing? There are plenty of plays that have been adapted from well-loved films and TV shows. My Neighbour Totoro, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, and The Hunger Games on Stage are all critically acclaimed productions that take the action from the screen to the stage with impressive skill.

Feeling a little lost now you’ve left Simba and the gang at the Lyceum Theatre? Honestly, same. Disney’s The Lion King has held its reign as one of London’s top family theatre shows since 1999 for very good reasons. Since opening, the incredible stage adaptation of the animated film has wowed kids of all ages thanks to its innovative puppetry and impressive set designs. With an unforgettable soundtrack from Elton John and Tim Rice, it’s the perfect introduction to musical theatre. In fact, it’s so internationally beloved, it’s a top London tourist attraction and a school trip favourite! So what is the best musical to see after The Lion King? There are plenty of family theatre shows in London. And some that aren’t so family-friendly that fans of The Lion King will probably love too. Whether you’re looking for something to take your littlies to or the same vibes but make it adult, you’ve come to the right place. Not only will you find shows like The Lion King, you can also book tickets to them right here with us!

Disney’s The Lion King has announced a further West End extension at London’s Lyceum Theatre, with tickets on sale now through to 16 May 2027. The long-running global hit continues to prove unstoppable in the capital, with audiences still flocking to Pride Rock for one of the most visually striking and musically celebrated productions ever staged.

If you are planning to see The Lion King, it would be useful for you to check out our interactive Lyceum Theatre Seating Plan before you go.  

Looking for the perfect pre-theatre dinner in London? Whether you want a quick bite, a luxurious meal, or a casual dining spot, the city offers an amazing variety of options. Our guide to pre theatre dinner London highlights the best places to eat near major West End theatres, so you can enjoy a delicious meal and still make it to curtain up on time! Where to eat before going to the theatre in London Planning a London pre theatre dinner can really enhance your evening. Whether you’re seeing a musical, a play, or an opera, choosing a nearby restaurant with a quick and tasty menu ensures you have a stress-free experience. From affordable street food to fine dining, there are plenty of options for every occasion. Covent Garden and Seven Dials Nearest theatres: Lyceum Theatre (Disney’s The Lion King), Donmar Warehouse, Adelphi Theatre (Back to The Future Musical), Aldwych Theatre (Tina - The Tina Turner Musical), Theatre Royal Drury Lane (Disney’s Hercules), Duchess Theatre (The Play That Goes Wrong), Gillian Lynne Theatre (My Neighbour Totoro), Cambridge Theatre (Matilda the Musical). Where to eat: Seven Dials Market – A vibrant indoor food market offering a huge range of independent food vendors. You'll find everything from Taiwanese bao buns to fresh pasta stalls, ideal for groups with mixed tastes. Dishes typically cost £8–£12; no formal pre-theatre menu, but the service is fast. Dishoom Covent Garden – A much-loved Bombay-style café famous for rich curries and grills. They offer a dedicated pre-theatre menu, with two courses for under £25. Expect a casual, stylish setting and hearty mains like biryani and black daal. The Ivy Market Grill – This elegant British restaurant serves classic dishes like fishcakes, steaks, and shepherd’s pie. Their pre-theatre set menu is excellent value, with two courses for £29 or three courses for £35. The stylish interiors make it a smart choice for a special night out. Brother Marcus – Known for modern Eastern Mediterranean small plates, Brother Marcus serves dishes like lamb kofta and cauliflower fritters. Mains are priced between £14–£20, and it’s a laid-back spot perfect for casual dining. No specific pre-theatre menu, but service is quick. Flat Iron – A meat-lover’s haven famous for its outstanding value flat iron steak, priced around £13–£15. Although they don’t offer a formal pre-theatre menu, the service is efficient enough to fit your show schedule. Expect a relaxed, rustic dining experience. Cinnamon Bazaar – This colourful Indian fusion restaurant offers a playful twist on street food classics. Their pre-theatre menu features two or three courses around £25, with standout dishes like Kashmiri lamb and Old Delhi chicken. Vibrant decor and speedy service make it ideal for pre-show dining. Leicester Square Nearest theatres: Harold Pinter Theatre (Giant), Garrick Theatre (Mrs Warren’s Profession), Prince Edward Theatre (MJ the Musical), London Coliseum (The Great Gatsby), Duke of York’s Theatre (Stereophonic). Where to eat: Bancone, Golden Square – A stylish pasta bar serving handmade Italian classics like beef shin ragu and cacio e pepe. Their "Pasta & Wine" offer is perfect for quick dining, with mains priced £14–£18. They don’t have a formal pre-theatre set menu but service is fast and casual. Brasserie Zédel – A grand Parisian-style brasserie offering French favourites like steak haché and tarte du jour. Their fixed-price menu is great value at under £20 for two courses. The setting feels luxurious without the high price tag — ideal for a special but affordable pre-show meal. The Palomar – Modern Jerusalem cuisine takes centre stage at The Palomar, with small sharing plates bursting with Middle Eastern flavour. Dishes range £10–£20, and although there’s no set pre-theatre menu, their fast service suits theatre timings. The lively, intimate atmosphere is a bonus. Whitcomb’s at The Londoner – Mediterranean-inspired fine dining with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce. They offer a stylish pre-theatre menu for around £32, featuring dishes like grilled sea bass and heritage tomatoes. The chic interiors and attentive service make it a top-tier choice. Leicester Square Kitchen – Contemporary Mexican and Peruvian sharing plates in a sleek setting. Dishes like tacos, ceviche, and anticuchos cost between £7–£15 each. They offer pre-theatre dining options perfect for those who want lighter, tapas-style meals. Trafalgar Square Nearest theatres: Trafalgar Theatre (Clueless), Playhouse Theatre (Cabaret), Charing Cross Theatre (Stiletto). Where to eat: The Admiralty – A classic Fuller’s pub serving traditional British fare such as pies and fish & chips. Mains are around £14–£20, and service is swift for pre-theatre goers. No formal set menu, but hearty portions and a relaxed vibe are guaranteed. Steak & Co. Charing Cross – A laid-back steakhouse ideal for carnivores, offering great pre-theatre deals. Their two-course menu starts around £20–£25. It’s informal and comfortable, making it a reliable stop before a show. Olea Social – Mediterranean small plates with vibrant, fresh flavours and beautifully presented dishes. Plates average £8–£15, ideal for light dining. No formal pre-theatre menu, but fast service ensures you’re not late for the show. Ochre – Located in the National Gallery, Ochre offers seasonal British dishes like lamb rump and wild mushroom ravioli. Mains are £25–£35, and a pre-theatre menu is often available. Expect stylish, airy interiors and creative plating. Shaftesbury Avenue Nearest theatres: Palace Theatre (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), Apollo Theatre (Fawlty Towers the Play), Gielgud Theatre (Oliver!), Phoenix Theatre (Stranger Things: the First Shadow), Lyric Theatre (Hadestown). Where to eat: NOPI - Perfectly placed just moments from Shaftesbury Avenue, Nopi is ideal for a pre-theatre dinner, with a speedy set menu that still feels special. The lamb kofta was packed with fresh, Mediterranean flavours, while the passionfruit sorbet with smoky chilli is an absolute must before curtain up.  Macellaio RC – An Italian restaurant famed for its exceptional steak, with cut-to-order options perfect for a special night out. Alongside the premium meat, there’s a range of fresh pasta dishes (£18–£20) and standout starters like the 30-month-aged Parma ham. No pre-theatre menu, but service is quick — just be sure to allow a little extra time to enjoy dessert before the show - the tiramisu is the best we've had!  Hawksmoor – Celebrated for premium British steaks and seafood, Hawksmoor offers a pre-theatre express menu from £27–£33. Expect signature dishes like rump steak and sticky toffee pudding. A sophisticated, stylish choice for a meat-heavy meal. Cafe Monico – European brasserie dishes served in a relaxed, warmly lit setting. They serve pasta, burgers, and grilled fish with mains from £18–£24. No pre-theatre menu, but efficient service makes it ideal for show nights. Cucina – Rustic Italian trattoria offering homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Mains are £14–£20, and the atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly. No pre-theatre menu, but it's quick and hearty. Bocca di Lupo – Acclaimed Italian small plates restaurant offering dishes from every region of Italy. Prices range £6–£15 per plate, ideal for sharing. Their efficient service suits tight pre-theatre timings. Soho Nearest theatres: Gielgud Theatre (Oliver!), @sohoplace (The Fifth Step), Dominion Theatre (The Devil Wears Prada) Apollo Theatre (Fawlty Towers the Play), Lyric Theatre (Hadestown).  Where to eat: Joe Allen – Classic American brasserie famed for pre-theatre dining, offering dishes like burgers, ribs, and steaks. Their set menu (two courses around £25) is quick, hearty, and satisfying. A true theatreland institution. Blacklock – Known for unbeatable value on chops and steaks, with a pre-theatre meal from around £20–£25. They serve British-style meat feasts in a fun, casual setting. Great for meat-lovers with a limited time window. Brindisa Tapas – Authentic Spanish tapas perfect for sharing. Dishes are small and speedy, priced around £5–£12 each. There's no set menu, but the quick service and relaxed style suit pre-theatre dining perfectly. The Coral Room – A gorgeous cocktail bar offering small plates like truffle fries and seafood options. Small plates range £10–£18, perfect if you want light bites with a stylish twist before your show. Arcade Food Hall – Trendy, lively food hall offering a mix of international cuisines from burgers to sushi. Prices for individual dishes range £8–£15. Perfect for groups who want variety and a quick, casual meal before curtain-up.

Now in its 27th year at the Lyceum Theatre this the acclaimed reimagining of Disney’s beloved film, The Lion King, has redefined the expectations of theatregoers. Exploding onto the stage with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music the musical tells the powerful story of Simba as he journeys from a wide-eyed cub to his destiny as King of the Pridelands.  Who are the current Lion King cast members?  George Asprey (Scar), Shaun Escoffery (Mufasa), Thenjiwe Nofemele (Rafiki), Gary Jordan (Zazu), Stuart Neal (Timon), Pierre Van Heerden (Pumbaa), Posi Morakinyo​ (Simba), Asha Parker-Wallace (Nala), Sadia McEwen​ (Shenzi), Michael Jeremiah (Banzai) and, Mark Tatham (Ed). Sharing the role of Young Simba and Young Nala are Cristiano Cuino, Lola Rose Etuazim, Jace Grant, D'vante Hart, Zinachika Ifediora, Rhianne King, Nuryn Lasseko and Kaylen Luke.  

Playing at the Lyceum Theatre since 1999, The Lion King brings Disney’s beloved animated classic to life on the West End stage. With breathtaking puppetry, stunning visuals, and unforgettable music, let’s explore the iconic characters that make this theatrical spectacle a must-see.

The Lyceum Theatre is a well-known venue with an equally prominent history. It was established in the heart of London in 1765 and has since then hosted numerous forms of entertainment, including the first London exhibition of waxworks by Madame Tussauds. Over the years, it has become a remarkable west end venue, hosting top shows. If you plan to attend a performance at this venue, it's crucial to know where to sit for the best possible view. Keep reading to find out more. What are the best seats at The Lyceum Theatre? There are various seating options available in The Lyceum Theatre, all of which make for a perfect visit to the theatre. The Stalls are a great choice if you want to feel part of the action, with a great view. If you prefer more legroom, then Row R in the stalls will allow you to kick back and relax while enjoying the show. Above the stalls is the Royal Circle, which offers an excellent view of the entire stage. This is an ideal spot for families, as all rows are raked. On the same level, you'll find the private boxes. There are eight Boxes in total, with Boxes E and K being close to the stage, providing an unobstructed view of the stage. Boxes A, B, F, and G are set further back and higher up the sides of the auditorium, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a luxurious theatre experience. Going up another level, you'll find the Grand Circle, which is a good option for those looking for reasonably priced seats. The view from the Grand Circle at the Lyceum Theatre offers excellent wide views of the stage, but the safety rails may sometimes obscure the view.