Hakuna matata for The Lion King as huge 2012/13 UK tour is announced - tickets on sale now

The record-breaking Disney musical, The Lion King, has made headlines on Broadway and played to packed houses at the West End's Lyceum Theatre for more than a decade.

The trademark Disney charm of singing animals and the battle between good evil, good triumphing in the hands of an unlikely saviour, mixed with Elton John and Tim Rice's famous score, was always likely to be a stage hit. But the imaginative adaptation from the limitless possibilities of the big screen to the intimate environs of live theatre has, it is fair to say, exceeded all expectations.

Opening on Broadway in 1997, it is now one of the longest running shows in the history of New York's theatreland. Thirteen years after the London production opened, Disney has announced a new production which will see lengthy runs from Simba and friends around the UK.

The tour begins at the Bristol Hippodrome on 6th September, running until 17th November 2012, with previews from 31st August. We have tickets available now, priced from £20, rising to £55 for the best weekend stalls.

After Bristol, the Circle of Life moves on to Manchester's Palace Theatre, where it runs from 6th December to 31st March 2013, previews from 1st December. We have tickets available now, priced from £22.50, rising to £55 for the top weekend seats.

Meanwhile, the London production continues to power on, with the flagship Lyceum show currently booking until Sunday 30 September 2012. We have tickets priced £30 to £65.

Evening performances for all venues are Tuesday to Saturday. There are also matinée shows Wednesday to Sunday, with occasional variations.

More tour dates are expected to follow Bristol and Manchester. Demand for all dates will be very high.