Royal Albert Hall to present The Lion King 30th anniversary in-concert screenings
As part of global celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Disney animated classic The Lion King, the Royal Albert Hall will present two special in-concert screenings of the film this July.
The concerts will feature the Chineke! Orchestra and the London Community Gospel Choir performing Hans Zimmer’s Oscar®-winning score, conducted by Sarah Hicks, with special guests from the West End celebrating 25 years of the stage musical.
Matthew Todd, Director of Programming at the Royal Albert Hall, said:
“The Lion King has been one of the most requested titles in the fifteen years the Hall has presented Films in Concert. We’re delighted to host such a landmark anniversary event for what is one of the most iconic animated films ever made.”
The unique concert events will celebrate the timeless story of The Lion King and its evolution over 30 years – from the original 1994 animated film to the 1998 Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical, to 2019’s dramatic live-action film that brought the characters to life in a whole new way, to the present with Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming live-action film Mufasa: The Lion King set to hit theatres on 20 December 2024.
The evening also pays tribute to the success and global phenomenon of the Tony Award®-winning musical The Lion King. Cast members from the production will perform a song featuring the show’s award-winning and artistically acclaimed costumes and puppetry.
On the first night, there will be a special fashion moment to honour Disney’s The Lion King 30th anniversary, in collaboration with a French luxury house.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Lion King journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother — and former heir to the throne — has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is riddled with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from his long-lost friend, Nala, and a curious pair of newfound friends, Pumbaa and Timon, Simba must figure out how to face his past and take back what is rightfully his.
Chineke! was founded to provide career opportunities for Black and ethnically diverse classical musicians in the UK and Europe, while the London Community Gospel Choir will reprise their role on the original Lion King soundtrack.
The Lion King features songs written by Sir Elton John and Sir Tim Rice, with a score composed by Hans Zimmer.