Disney today announced the principal performers that will lead THE LION KING cast when the global phenomenon returns to Australia next year. Opening at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney from April 2026, THE LION KING is the world’s #1 musical and has been seen by more than 124 million world-wide.
Following a competitive audition process, this cast represents the very best talent from Australia, New Zealand and around the world, whose artistry will bring the beloved characters of this epic theatrical masterpiece to life.
Returning to lead the cast as Rafiki will be Buyi Zama. Stepping into this iconic role for a third time here, having also played Rafiki in the 2003 and 2013 tours. Originally from South Africa, she loved performing here so much that Australia has now become her home. Zama has been part of THE LION KING around the world, including with productions in Australia, North America, China, London, and on Broadway.
Zama will be joined on stage by another alumni member of THE LION KING global family. New Zealander Nick Afoa made his theatre debut twelve years ago as Simba before going on to perform the role on London’s West End. Afoa will now return to play the next generation and continue the circle of life by stepping into the role of Mufasa.
Completing the principal cast will be a mix of new talent and familiar faces, including Benn Welford (Australia) as Zazu, Jamie McGregor (Aotearoa/New Zealand) as Timon, Rutene Spooner (Aotearoa/New Zealand) as Pumbaa, Aphiwe Nyezi (South Africa) as Simba, Emily Nkomo (Zimbabwe/Australia) as Nala, Winston Hillyer (Philippines/ Aotearoa/New Zealand) as Banzai, Ezra Williams (Australia) as Shenzi and Mat Verevis (Australia) as Ed.
THE LION KING will be the ninth production from Disney Theatrical Group to play in Sydney over the past thirty years, following an impressive list of smash-hits that include recent national tours of Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Mary Poppins and Frozen.
Now in its fourth decade as a theatrical producer, Disney Theatrical is headed by Managing Director Andrew Flatt and Executive Producer Anne Quart.
“We are thrilled that THE LION KING is returning to Australia with a world class group of artists to once again engage with your wonderfully welcoming audiences,”
said Anne Quart, Executive Producer, Disney Theatrical Group. “Together with Julie Taymor we have assembled a thrilling cast, and we can’t wait to welcome new audiences, joining the 10 million our Disney Theatrical productions have entertained to date.”
Further casting information will be announced at a later date.
Tickets for Disney’s THE LION KING Sydney 2026 Season are now on sale via: thelionkingmusical.com.au.
The Australian premiere of Disney’s THE LION KING is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW
About The Lion King
Approaching 30 landmark years on Broadway, THE LION KING continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals of all time. Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, 30 global productions have been seen by over 127 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Group, under the direction of Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, THE LION KING has made theatrical history with two productions worldwide running 20 or more years and three others running 25 or more years.
Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), there are currently eight productions of THE LION KING around the world: Broadway, London, Paris, Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, Mexico City and on tour across North America. THE LION KINGhas played over 100 cities in 24 countries on every continent except Antarctica; its worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.
THE LION KING won six 1998 Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical (Julie Taymor). THE LION KING has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.
