Stephenson Ardern-Sodje will return as the King of Pride Rock in Disney’s THE LION KING as he takes over the role of Simba in the London production from 6 May through until 28 September 2025 having previously performed the role on the UK & Ireland tour. Hope Maine, who also previously played Simba, will then take over until 25th January 2026.
Stephenson said: “I am delighted to be returning to the Pridelands as Simba, having previously had the joy of playing the role on the UK & Ireland tour. Joining the iconic London production at the Lyceum Theatre, which recently celebrated 10,000 performances, is a dream come true.”
Stephenson Ardern-Sodje was most recently in the Young Vic’s production of Passing Strange and his other musical credentials include Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre) Once on This Island (Regent’s Park Theatre), Starter for Ten (Bristol Old Vic) and Rock Follies (Chichester Festival Theatre).
Also joining the cast from 6 May will be Pierre van Heerden as Pumba, who previously played the role on the International Tour and Sadia McEwen as Shenzi, who is currently playing Sarabi in the London production. They join current principal cast members George Asprey as Scar, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, Thenjiwe Nofemele as Rafiki, Gary Jordan as Zazu, Alan McHale as Timon, Merryl Ansah as Nala, Jorell Coiffic-Kamall as Banzai and Mark Tatham as Ed.
New members of the ensemble cast include Solomon Gordon, Reece McKenzie, Candida Mosoma, Nicholas Nkuna, Andrew Parfitt, Jessica Reeve, Rochelle Sherona.
The story of THE LION KING roars into life every evening using spectacular masks, puppets and costumes to tell the story of Simba’s epic adventures, as he struggles with the responsibilities of adulthood and becoming king.
