Disney’s The Lion King: Open auditions for West End musical - how to apply for the cast

Singers and dancers have a chance to try out for the smash-hit musical The Lion King this month.

The Disney production is holding open auditions for performers to join the West End company.

New members of the company would join an international cast of more than 50 actors, singers and dancers at the Lyceum Theatre.

Auditions are being held in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds.

Lion King dancer auditions

Auditions for dancers will take place on Monday (October 9) at Danceworks, 16 Balderton Street, in Mayfair.

Morning registration is 10am to 11am and afternoon registration is 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

The show’s producers say: “We are looking for strong dancers with a modern dance background - acrobatic skills are a major plus.

“You must be warmed up and ready to dance by the start time in flat jazz shoes or bare feet. Men should also bring trainers, and women should bring pointe shoes, if possible.

“You may be asked to sing. Please prepare one rock/pop song that shows off your voice and range. Please bring sheet music, as backing tracks will not be allowed. A pianist will be provided.”

Performers are asked to bring a photo and CV stapled together.

Lion King singer auditions

Auditions for singers are on Monday October 23 at the Lyceum Theatre.

Morning registration is 10am to 11am and afternoon registration is 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

Producers say: “We are looking for singers with strong soulful/gospel type voices who also have good movement skills.

“Please be prepared to sing a contemporary pop/rock song. Please bring sheet music, as backing tracks will not be allowed. A pianist will be provided.”

Singers are asked to bring a photo and CV stapled together.

The Lion King

The show uses masks, puppets and costumes to help peformers tell the story of Simba's adventures as he struggles with the responsibilities of adulthood and becoming king.

Julie Taymor’s stage adaptation first opened on Broadway in 1997 and 25 global productions in nine different languages have been created since then, produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher.

The original score from the animated film was expanded for the stage and features 15 musical numbers. As well as writing new songs, South African composer Lebo M created a blend of African rhythms and chorales, with additional material by Julie Taymor and Mark Mancina.

Elton John and Tim Rice added three new numbers to the five that they wrote for the movie.

Go to the Lion King website for full details of the open auditions.