Escoffery Leads Lion King Re-shuffle.

Fresh from his Olivier Award nomination, Shaun Escoffery began his run as Mufasa last night in what would appear to be a huge cast re-shuffle.

The Lion King has been wowing West End audiences for the past nine years from its hub at the Lyceum Theatre. Now it seems the powers that be have decided to inject a new lease of life into the performances by re-casting many of the main roles. For example, alongside Escoffery, who plays the old king Mufasa, are Andile Gumbi as Simba, George Asprey as Scar, Gloria Onitiri as Nala, Cameron Pow as Zazu and a further eight additions to the rest of the ensemble.

Escoffery, whose burgeoning West End CV includes performing in Tommy and Les Misérables, was nominated for an Olivier Award last month for his run in Parade at the Donmar Warehouse.

The other new cast members have all been involved with The Lion King, in some or another, in either the UK, Australia, or as part of various differing touring companies. Though Escoffery is very much a newcomer to the show, critics are getting very excited about his inclusion as the lead and, if he's anything like as successful in this as his previous roles, The Lion King is sure to be the pride of the West End!

Published by: Nathan Brooker

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