Theatre / Bristol Hippodrome
The Lion King cast are busy rehearsing in Bristol
Rehearsals for The Lion King’s UK and Ireland tour are currently underway in Bristol.
On a recent Monday morning at Bristol Grammar School’s theatre, the show’s cast and crew were joined by the president and producer of Disney Theatrical Productions, Tom Schumacher to mark the beginning of a busy summer of rehearsals.
Schumacher, who has worked on the production for almost 30 years, gave a rousing introduction to the show, addressing the diverse cast who sat before him.
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Disney Theatrical Productions president Tom Schumacher addresses the cast at Bristol Grammar School’s 1532 Performing Arts Centre – photo by Helen Maybanks
“Take your place in the circle of life,” Schumacher said, before inviting each member of the production to stand up and introduce themselves, their role and place of birth.
Covering 17 nationalities in total, the show welcomes cast and crew members from countries including Nigeria, Brazil and Singapore.
Schumacher was on the team that first envisaged The Lion King’s stage version, which sees the animated tale brought to life with vibrant puppetry and elaborate costume.
Since its launch, the production has been enjoyed by more than 100 million people worldwide.
The new UK and Ireland tour of The Lion King opens at Bristol Hippodrome in September – photo by Helen Maybanks
While many of the production’s principal cast and crew members are Lion King veterans, having worked on the show across continents and decades, 32 are new to the team.
One of the percussionists has performed on the production for 19 years, whereas one Young Simba is just nine years old.
Between whoops and applause, Schumacher spoke of the production’s troubled beginnings and later worldwide success, anchoring his words of inspiration back to the cast who will spend the summer in Bristol.
The Lion King is being performed at Bristol Hippodrome from September 7 to November 23. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.thelionking.co.uk/bristol
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