King returns to his Palace

It will play for five weeks from January 17 to February 22. In a 21-week run two years ago the production played to more than 322,000 people at 166 performances, and generated an estimated £15m for the local economy.

Manchester is the only city from the show’s tour of the UK and Ireland that will see a return engagement.

The acclaimed adaptation of Disney’s 1994 film was first seen on Broadway in 1997, where it recently became the highest grossing show in history. The production has now been seen by more than 75m people on six continents and the West End production continues to sell out London’s Lyceum Theatre in its 15th year.

Julie Taymor adapted the film for the stage and brought a vast array of theatrical styles and cultures to tell the tale of Simba, the young lion cub, as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his role of King.

Box office: 0844 871 3004 or www.thelionking.co.uk