Cast of Disney's The Lion King celebrate the show's 25 years in the West End

The story set on the Serengeti plains of Africa and is centred on a young lion cub called Simba as he grows up to reclaiming his rightful place as king after the untimely death of his father Mufasa and overcoming his villainous uncle Scar who wants to the the king.

Famous for it songs including Circle of Life, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Hakuna Matata, I Just Can't Wait to be King, This Land and Be Prepared , and the wonderful puppetery - the show also been staged in many countries over the decades including Germany, South Africa, Japan and Australia.

In over two decades around 19 million theatre-goers have been treated to the performances at London's Lyceum Theatre featuring all the drama and intrigue in a pride land savannah based on Disney’s 1994 animation movie of the same name The Lion King has an impressive pedigree, with lyrics by musical theatre composer Sir Tim Rice and music by pop legend Sir Elton John, not to mention additional music by specialist composers  Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer and a script created by playwrights Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi. 

To mark the silver anniversary members of the  cast and production crew have been sharing their thoughts on why the show has proven such a big hit with fans all over the world.

Shaun Escoffrey, who has played Mufasa at the Lyceum for 15 years, says: " The audition process was gruelling. I really want to play Mustafa. There was a four or five-stage process and I remember walking into the room looking at the panel and thinking this is going to be interesting.”

“When I got the part I felt like I really worked to get it and unbeknownst to me at the time this is the point where the work really started.  I remember the first day I met George. The principals were there. I was a nervous as well. As soon as Rafiki started to sing. It was so vivid.

“There's a soul to the soul. Everything lifted.”

 George Asprey, who has played Scar for almost 17 years says: "When I joined The Lion King rehearsals the musical director at the time asked me how long I'd be staying. I said, 'mate, after six months I'll be bored stupid and after a year you won't see me for dust' that was 16 years ago.”

"There's something spiritual about the show. When I stand at the side of the stage every night and I watch Circle of Life just unfold in front of me something happens inside of me. I can't describe it. My heart is filled. I’m thinking of those children saying 'how many sleeps until The Lion King'. I say to myself that tonight I’m going to be the best Scar I can be and  If I can't make that child cry by the interval I haven't really done my job. 

“In 16 years I’ve never got on the train to work and thought I don’t want to go to work. “

South African actress Thenjiwe Nofemele, who has played the part of mandrill Rafiki both here and in Germany, started her career with the show initially in ensemble roles in South Africa about 17 years ago before progressing to a starring role.

Thenjiwe says the show is a big part of her life and has saved her despite ups and downs.

 “For me this is such a proud moment. It takes a lot to put the show together. 

“Its really about that moment when the curtain comes up. It used to be nerve wracking many years ago, but now it is one of the most rewarding things for me. 

“It’s a great honour for me to open the door for everyone sitting here and to representing where I’m from, my family, my ancestors on an international stage. It’s exciting and I'm happy to be doing it most nights of my life.”

She explains that the main difference between the British and German shows is that here audiences give a louder reaction to the performances, where in Germany audiences tend to be quiet.

Among the newest of the principals is Merryl Ansah, who plays Nala, and all the main cast members were full of praise for the entire international cast and crew.

Celebrations for the 25th anniversary have included a special gala performance, interviews and exclusive backstage tours where no-one is allowed to take pictures.

Every nook and cranny backstage is used to store the beautiful puppets, props and fantastic costumes which are lovingly maintained by the super-talented team behind the scenes under the watchful eye of company manager Patience  Persson(correct).

Patience, was previously a member of the ensemble before taking on the role of Snenzi, and is these days is responsible for the running of the show including staffing. She explains that the stage recently had a refit and that it was a great honour to be working on the production which has a wonderful family atmosphere. 

Head of masks and puppets Joseph Beagley adds that his team sometimes travel abroad to the other productions to ensure there is consistency in puppets and techniques being used, but that he says “fundamentally” the items and methods are the same.

For tickets visit website thelionking.co.uk