The Lion King to go on national tour One of London's best-loved musicals will embark on its first ever UK tour. The Lion King has been seen in London by 10 million people during its run at the Lyceum Theatre in London. For the first time audiences outside the capital will be able to see the show, which uses a mixture of puppets and actors to tell the story of the Disney film released in 1994. The production will open at the Bristol Hippodrome on August 31 for eleven weeks. It will then go on tour to the Palace Theatre in Manchester and will visit 10 cities in the UK and Ireland over two and a half years. The tour has been four years in the planning. The musical first opened in 1999 in the West End, where it has continued to attract audiences. 2011 was its best financial year so far with the production breaking the industry record for the highest annual gross box office in West End history. Thomas Schumacher, President of Disney Theatrical Productions said: "We continue to be thrilled by how UK audiences have enjoyed The Lion King in London, and have long wished to also share this production with audiences nationally." Featuring songs by Elton John, The Lion King stage adaptation was directed by Julie Taymor. The production plays in 15 countries on five continents. For more information go to www.thelionking.co.uk. Bristol Hippodrome: 0844 871 3033/ Manchester Palace Theatre: 0844 871 3004