THE award-winning production of The Lion King opens at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton next Friday, July 11.

The phenomenally popular Disney show will run in the venue for nine weeks until September 6 as part of a record-breaking tour of the UK and Ireland.

Hampshire audiences will have the opportunity to experience the global phenomenon in their local theatre.

Four years in the making, this truly international production brings together a cast of over 50 actors, singers and dancers, from 18 different countries, supported by a backstage team of over 100 people.

The touring production is the biggest musical production ever to tour the UK.

With hundreds of masks, puppets and more than 700 elaborate costumes representing 26 different types of animal, 23 giant trucks are used to transport everything across the country.

The acclaimed stage adaptation of Disney’s 1994 film was first seen on Broadway in 1997, where it recently became the highest grossing show in Broadway history.

The production has now been seen by over 70 million people across six continents and the acclaimed West End production continues to sell out at London’s Lyceum Theatre in its 15th triumphant year.

Tickets are available from the box office on 02380 711811 or online at mayflower.org.uk.