London’s Lyceum Theatre has played host to Disney’s The Lion King for 25 years.

Since its debut in London on October 19, 1999, more than 19m people have been awestruck by the Circle of Life, wept at He Lives In You, and cheered at King Of Pride Rock.

Though there have been several UK tour productions – including those that have made their way to Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre – the London show has become a mainstay of the capital’s economy.

To this day, the Tony Award winning show continues to sell-out the 2,100-capacity venue a stone’s throw away from The Strand.

In an exclusive Q&A, The Lion King’s cast and crew told the Echo what makes the show so special and how it continues to thrill audiences after 25 years.

George Asprey, who has portrayed Scar in the London production of The Lion King for 16 years, said: “There’s something spiritual about the show.

“When I stand at the side of the stage every night and I watch Circle of Life unfold in front of me, something happens inside of me, it’s like my heart is filled.

George Asprey as Scar in The Lion King (Image: Matt Crockett) “I think of all the kids who say, ‘how many sleeps until The Lion King?’

“It’s just a special show, you’re constantly finding new things, it’s an extraordinary piece of theatre – it’s not a recreation of the film, it’s a standalone piece of art. That’s why it’s so successful.”

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Shaun Escoffery has played Mufasa in the London production of the Disney show. He said: “I have a love affair with The Lion King.

“The audience literally has an experience watching The Lion King, an immersive experience, and so do we.

Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa in The Lion King (Image: Matt Crockett) “I absolutely love what I do. There’s a spiritual satisfaction, people come back, they keep coming back.”

For fans of The Lion King who travel to London to see the show, the Melia White House hotel is a 20-minute tube ride or drive away situated in Regents Park.

The four-star hotel caters to your every need, with spacious rooms, all-day dining, and flexible check-out times.