THE LION KING in London: Glimpse Into The Rehearsal Room

The emotional moment our cast were reunited and sang Circle of Life together for the first time! Since then rehearsals have been in full swing as we prepare to welcome audiences back to experience Disney’s award-winning musical in London.
Performances begin 29 July - book your tickets now at thelionking.co.uk/london

[@stockleycat]

I’ve always said that the opening number of the Lion King is worth the price of admission itself. This rehearsal is so emotional. Well done!

[@sundae6969]

I went and saw this play a couple of years ago and I was so moved by the entire production. The opening definitely brought tears to my eyes. I might be the only person to say this but I saw Hamilton and was actually bored. I don't know what the hype was all about. The Lion King is 100 times better

[@jacquelinehodge1528]

Mb

[@Jonsweets]

true i went and seen it so worth the price

[@kathernterry2628]

@@sundae6969 I didn't see Hamilton live but on film, but I went to see the LK many years ago, I saw it twice. If it comes near me, I'll go again, it's my favorite live performance!

[@bing_cct8984]

Yes!!! Emotional!!! 😭😭🧡🧡

[@juanrodrigues866]

This song usually makes me feel emotional, but this specific performance made me cry my eyes out. You can feel Gugwana's emotion and how she and the whole cast are thrilled to be there. Just amazing.

[@aelloelleo]

Same. 😭

[@thandiwechunga5]

I have literally shed tears mayn... Eesh

[@Who1saiah]

I'm ugly crying right now.

[@antonycamilleri1197]

Shows how deeply connected you all are ,absolutely captivating performance

[@stockleycat]

This song gives all the feels and this one I can usually get to the darn giraffes walking on stage before I lose it. This rehearsal it was by the first note. Power of Music.

[@raidelcarbonell5145]

Damn! I cried like a child. I LITERALLY don't know what is it about this song that takes me somewhere else very deep inside. Like a safe and pure magical place. It just makes you feel alive

[@Sendcookiesnow]

Me too!!!❤❤❤❤😢😢😢😢

[@Mpumimbethe]

Nants ingonyama bakithi Baba [Here comes a lion, Father] Sithi uhm ingonyama [Oh yes, it's a lion] Nants ingonyama bakithi baba Sithi uhhmm ingonyama Ingonyama Siyo Nqoba [We're going to conquer] Ingonyama Ingonyama nengw' enamabala [A lion and a leopard with spots come to this open place] [Chant repeats] From the day we arrive on the planet And blinking, step into the sun There's more to see than can ever be seen More to do than can ever be done. There's far too much to take in here. More to find than can ever be found. But the sun rolling high Through the sapphire sky Keeps great and small on the endless round. It's the Circle of Life And it moves us all Through despair and hope Through faith and love Till we find our place On the path unwinding In the Circle, The Circle of Life It's the Circle of Life And it moves us all Through despair and hope Through faith and love Till we find our place On the path unwinding In the Circle The Circle of Life

[@crystalholston2401]

Me too

[@ojantastic]

I’m crying too brother. What a treasure we were able to experience

[@ramasabajo5360]

Even not thinking about the musical or movie I feel this song is about hope and courage. And about some kind of breakthrough. For me it serves as a beautiful reminder of what people can achieve when they work together. The harmonies in the voices and those chords progressions just move the soul. Its feels like a spiritual ceremony. Very sacred indeed... They should warn people about it actually.😅😢

[@CatG12]

ANYTHING that sounds tribal hits me so deep in the soul. Whether it's a Zulu song, Inuit throat singing or the Haka being performed, I cry like a baby every time.

[@lukericketts4055]

This sound could surely heal the world... The moment the lead vocal opens with that famous cry, and the chorus comes in with that ripping chord, my goodness I'm in tears.... just simply stunning

[@pamelavanstaden4127]

Yes, absolutely. Fills you up, no words can describe the feeling.

[@ladee52able]

♡♡♡

[@kisskitty1808]

Couldn’t agree more 🥲🌍🤍🤲🏻

[@NamSoul]

Well said 👏

[@abbyallen7848]

Yes, the sound, it heals the world. It's a spiritual sound.

[@jojomakes]

I don't understand how they can sing like this multiple shows a week without completely blowing their voices. STUNNING!!!

[@ysinoquiero2019]

Technique !

[@melisaez]

I cry cry cry

[@rootsAlkebu]

nature has provided

[@mathiassterild7304]

for the first traning for the second Technique

[@1packatak]

usually in rehearsals they don’t go full voice. Plus we now have microphones for the singers to wear during performances which again helps them.

[@DanceswithHyenas]

What sets this song apart from many others is that it hits your spirit before it hits your emotions or intellectual faculties. There is an unmistakable, undeniable, underlying spiritual evocation that provokes the spirit to respond before the mind can fully understand why tears are emerging.

[@kcd850]

100% agreee

[@gaiusngwa3911]

You said it all. It enters the spirit, soul and body

[@anthonystewarti.maugaotega]

Whoever composed this song , should be the musical hall of fame , 24yrs since 1995 and this song still hit 🔥 it

[@ironore1000]

Singing in his a spiritual thing, it was always used spiritually before it became entertainment. In South Africa, gospel music is huge and its influence can still be heard even in some urban music.

[@ManuelaMassangae-gw5fy]

Amavel coment😅o melhor que li aqui

[@chelseabills4973]

Drop a heart if you’re an AFRICAN❤❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ THIS IS US❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@PreciousIlode]

❤❤❤❤

[@blessedaroma]

❤❤❤❤

[@futureDrNLB]

The Power of Mother Africa Shines Through!!! Just Powerful and oh so Beautiful

[@snsd717]

COVID took so much from performers and artists. The fact that We just got to see the moment they’re finally in a room with people who have the same passion, talent and love for the art is a gift! Thank you! ❤️

[@Breezonthemoon]

I was searching for a comment like this! Yes!

[@collinnc2001]

It mentally drained us!!!! I work in theatre and seeing the doors closed for over 630 days hurt worse than anything

[@escapistfromhell1543]

Covid also took away the life of an very talented baritone. #CarlosMarin4ever

[@JamesLewis-mp9zn]

I'm 74 years old and proud to be a BLACK MAN. This brings out the warrior in me.

[@SirReginaldBumquistIII]

Youre absolutely no different to the rest except how you choose to be.

[@GraceOlajere]

Oh..... I've been in love with this song since childhood days. Love from Nigeria

[@saravezzoli274]

I'm so happy I'm not the only one that cries her heart out upon listening to this song. The power which comes from a choir is so strong, and our bros and sis from Africa make everything even more deep and powerful. So so good ❤️

[@collinnc2001]

I’m in NC and beautiful cast will be on stage in about 5 hours. I’m beyond excited and definitely taking kleenex

[@ezekielthorpe1924]

No u are not. Thank u. 😊

[@porschenator]

fellow south africans.

[@georgebozinovski9401]

You’re white guilted.

[@saravezzoli274]

@@georgebozinovski9401 not sure if you're comment is positive or negative, anyway, peace.

[@ambieberns5198]

Idk why this song no matter how it’s sang or who sings it, always make me cry a little. Soooooo beautiful! Very well done!!!

[@Kams3]

Same 🥺❤️

[@gabgiftedchronicles7243]

This one hits different tho

[@collinnc2001]

A little?

[@whoopdewhoop7154]

Listen to south African freedom songs. Esp of oppressed workers. You'll cry again!

[@JuiceJ443]

Shit! I’m crying! I wish I would have known my culture. We were a powerful nation!✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@cynthiastephie]

For me nothing beats this, it has remained to be the best opening song for anything. First time watching this live made me cry.

[@Andrealr2012]

I've cried everytime I've seen it live 8 times now and always same emotion it's breathtaking most magical show ever and their passion just shows throughout whole performance will always be my fave show

[@jonathanroberts6434]

Not just cry,..absolutely ugly cry

[@RedHeadAgent]

This song is breathtaking. And yes, when I saw it on Broadway I cried both times. It is a stunning show. I want to see it again.

[@cynthiastephie]

@@RedHeadAgent true

[@AliciaNyblade]

Theater major here. This song has always been a masterpiece--and yes, I'm old enough to remember when the original film was in theaters--but this particular rendition hits so hard. The pandemic has brought us powerfully and painfully through all the aspects of the circle mentioned in the lyrics, and knowing that we're, gods willing, emerging into the next round, returning to our craft of the stage we love so dear, is extremely poignant. In times of great sorrow, the human soul longs for stories and storytellers, and it's an honor to provide that through an art that's been a tradition for thousands of years. Bravo to the cast and blessed be. )O(

[@CS-sy6nm]

Naaaaants ingonyama babithi baba…stirs the very core of me every single time. Love to you all from South Africa (translated: ‘Here comes a lion, father’)

[@Bonmud38]

The women who plays Rafiki is Gugwana Dlamini. I remember there was a video of the Lion King cast singing at an airport, she was also playing Rafiki then. She is just too wholesome.

[@DivineHarmonyChorusCmr]

Did I cry listening to this? YES I DID. Why? Cuz I felt it in my soul.

[@nombulelontshali7314]

South African voices are just out of this world 👌👌👌👌

[@Moedy101]

I just love being African!!!! I’m soooo thankful!!!! My families are from Ethiopia, West Africa, Central Africa and South Africa!! Glad I have connections from all over!!!! 🥵🥵❤️❤️

[@arveeguevara1]

This song is so powerful.. I get emotional whenever this is sung, especially by the people who originally and naturally chant this.. it brings peace to me.. and hope it brings peace to the world, too, as we all have the right to live in the circle of life..

[@evolutionofshe270]

THIS is MY ANCESTORS’ LANGUAGE… Hundreds of years STOLEN from us AND I CAN STILL FEEL IT… That mere fact moves me BEYOND anything this humble wordsmith’s mind can FATHOM.

[@icthree3235]

Please keep this alive for my children to experience.

[@joanamiranda9418]

Cried from 2 seconds in wow me and and my son were singing this yesterday and my son was born in South Africa 🇿🇦 Africa is Eden

[@johngyenfi8800]

I cried like a baby 😭😭. The waves of emotions. So powerful!!

[@Patricia-30]

Moi aussi j'ai pleuré 😭 trop d'émotion et d'intensité !

[@YolandaRivera285]

So beautiful I cried I don't know why but when I see Africans singing and dancing it touches my soul to the utmost that I have to pray to God because I feel like Africa is my home. Thank you momma Africa for being my roots and letting me be in touch with it's beauty and soulful heritage and pride

[@chisomokafor6889]

Millennials has the best childhood experience. They experienced this as kids, pre teens and teenagers before technology came.

[@jasminejohnson2687]

💯💯💯

[@rachelwarner2139]

I saw this with my daughter in NYC ten years ago. Last week we saw it again in North Carolina, bringing her three year old daughter. She loved it, knew the characters, laughed and clapped. Sat on my lap the entire performance. We want her to experience live theater, it soothes one’s soul.

[@susan8576]

You can say that again.👍🏽

[@melmel12567]

The joy, the tears, the happiness, the support, the passion. These videos never cease to amaze me and put a smile on my face!

[@jayweh]

this song is one of the most magical chord progressions and harmonics I've ever heard. the composer must be a genius. it will never fail to catch me emotionally.

[@nicolefrances.c]

As an usher at the Minskoff theatre.. I am sincerely sad for literally every patron that shows up late and misses this number. It’s the most rewarding thing in the world to see if I feel. It gives me chills EVERY time in inside the theatre and able to watch it.

[@sburris65]

One time, I actually went to the front of the auditorium just to watch the performances get ready to walk through the front doors. I was simply in awe. I took a beautiful picture that proudly hangs in our living room. And every tim someone visits, they ask about that picture. I tear up talking about it

[@clarecatherine8387]

This is why music, live and raw, always has been and always will be so very important. To communicate emotions when the words aren't there to do so. And to conjure emotions you didn't know you had within you. Music transcends everything. I feel blessed every single day to be a musician.

[@clairenovak11]

These are the types of moments we’ve all been waiting over a year for…💕

[@nana_kwame_duah]

I always have goosebumps with this song. Absolutely stunning piece.

[@angelsayles1556]

I had to pause it for a minute. This is literally my favorite song from the lion king. When I need a glimpse of my childhood I go to this song. I love this so much. Great performance

[@borntobealive1982]

No .... I don't have words ..... it's normal that my tears fall down ??? Goodness 🙏🙏

[@markwduns]

This number still brings me to tears, and I cannot wait to see the show in a theater again.

[@vandaesteves6007]

Suddenly, we feel we're part of a big family. We cannot touch each other, we cannot see each other, but we feel. Thank you, beautiful souls for making our lives much more beautiful! Congratulations: it's the first time I see a video no one dislikes.

[@mikeg3950]

This song has always brought tears to my eyes. The passion with which it’s sung and the message. Circle of life rules us all

[@creamzff8105]

also brings back our childhood memories and thinking how much we changed when watching the animated movie. circle of life

[@candisrobinson2547]

I have listened to this over and over and it gives me immense emotion and chills. Its a spiritual calling brought to life!! #beautiful #musicislove

[@thembikunene4531]

Proudly South African, whst a beautiful song in ISiZulu one of beautiful South African languages. Plesier, Siyabonga ka khulu Bomkhaya for flying our flag high eEurope and all over the world 🙌🙌🇿🇦🇿🇦💕💗🌻🌼💐

[@Punkin1pearrie]

I don't know why but watching and hearing this video became more of a spiritual awareness for me. This was so emotional more than a movie. Thanks to all who sang this song. Your brilliance is much appreciated.

[@yahairay1573]

Lion king is my absolute favorite Disney movie. The story is beautiful but the MUSIC is absolutely astounding!!! I told myself one day I was going to see this masterpiece and I finally did and I would go again without a doubt just to hear these amazing people sing like THAT!! 🥰👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼 freaking beautiful!!!

[@ANightworkerslife]

I had the privilage to wacth them in 2013... The Circle of Life always gets me.. it has something special. Must be the best show-opener EVER. But this... this reduced me to tears completely... I feel them...

[@camopug]

Goosebumps. Tears. Absolutely beautiful.

[@monicanixon5140]

Those goosebumps know something...

[@andrewopp.4554]

Goosebumps Bro the song has some form of power in it. I tell you 😂😂

[@eclecticliving2021]

Praise the Lord for these beautiful unique people!!!!! Brought me to tears it sounds so beautiful!!!!

[@Anthony-ze9up]

Saw the show in Birmingham yesterday with my wife. It was INCREDIBLE. The cast, singing, voices of the characters, live music, outfits, sound effects and backdrops. Awesome 👏👏👏

[@newstart6107]

I just sobbed at this! I remember seeing the Lion King at the cinema when it first came out- I took my 2 nieces - they were 8 and 10 at the time - they sobbed at the opening sequence. It’s beautiful music, picture and the best animated film I've seen ever!

[@kimberlycannon7225]

The power of music. It cleans our soul.

[@margosample2769]

Glue that brings people together ❤❤❤❤

[@idawilcox5275]

This is such a deeply spiritual song. It goes beyond the story of a Lion. :) Brings me to tears every time. Haven't been back to physical church since 2020 and listening to this makes me miss Physical church sooo badly.

[@StepbyStepbyMiriam]

This came up in my feed. What a gift I got today!!!! Thank you so much for sharing such soul. Absolutely incredible! God bless you all.

[@christinecook2045]

This is magic in a pair of ear buds!

[@Jason-Clark235]

Well done everyone with this amazing milestone for opening theatres back up. Cant wait for it to return

[@Nurse8812]

This will forever and always be my favorite broadway. This song digs deep into my soul every single time.

[@rhyslewis599]

That was stunning, but nothing beats watching it live in theatre…the feelings you will feel when you’re watching this live in theatre are just unmatched by anything I’ve watched or heard.

[@heidiseaman2622]

My husband and I were lucky enough to see the production when it came to Austin. I personally had been waiting 20 years to see it live and it was well worth the wait. There's something about theater that hits you deep in your soul.

[@declankelly9579]

The passion and joy exhibited by all the performers in this video shows why The Lion King show is one of the best shows you can go and see. I would love a chance to see the whole show live one day. Thank You to all of you wonderful show.

[@hazelold2882]

I saw it in London last night and it was just wonderful to be there. Could’ve watched it over and over again all night though!! Endless Night was a fantastic performance too

[@mpholepedi3687]

The song makes me cry even more when those young kids sings it...Ndlovu Youth Choir....they are killing it....and they are just kids but have done exceptionally well with the song....

[@magdalenaenzensperger6983]

I just saw a glimpse of it on TikTok and had to search for the whole song. Boy I cried like crazy. Bawled my eyes out. This song is so powerful, and the choir behind it is so wonderful. An absolutely stunning performance. This song and it doesn't matter if it is on the Disney movie or here always give me the chills and makes me cry. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@sharonradford5781]

Ohhhh this harmony……chills all over.

[@goldnarms435]

There is sooooo much talent in this world.

[@afckingmess]

Holy crap, instant tears. That was so beautiful. I can’t imagine having the honor of being in the same room when they perform this. What an emotional experience 🥹

[@towandawalker2908]

It is truly amazing!

[@cambaopa]

This made me cry all 5:27 minutes. What a powerful and larger than life energy and talent and humanity.

[@Fandomonium456]

Man I didn’t expect to cry watching this

[@FILMTRIBE_LLC]

I’ve watched this video so many times and it moves me deeply each time. I’m in awe of this cast. I felt every emotion from their beautiful voices. Theater is back! 🙏🏽

[@stefanephraim8096]

I have no words to express my joy at listening to these voices that take us beyond all reality, may God one day lift up Africa 🥹🇬🇦

[@jakers918]

Update: just bought my tickets! It has been on my bucket list to see this since it came out. I am 35 now. I think this will be the year!

[@nyalo.r.]

Such sound makes me more proud of my skin😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️

[@adrianaavila8853]

Wow. Ms. Rafiki is so beautiful. Thanks for capturing this moment and sharing with us. You all are a treasure and this is so powerful. ✊🏽✊🏿✊🏾

[@glorymakena3419]

I just love how they were shedding tears😢 me too

[@clintonlopez7062]

Who else got goosebumps watching this beautiful video😍💕

[@nuriameza9764]

Speechless seeing this, "Lion King" was my first show on Broadway and so happy for them to come back 🥺 greetings from Barcelona guys!! ❤️

[@rachaelle27]

The feeling this art gives is unexplainable😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@dan1979able]

UNBELIEVABLE best version of lion I have ever heard well done all of you!!! Xxx

[@SingersDream]

Such pure emotion and love and power from their voices to the stage. This is one of the most beautiful movies and plays ever! Makes me so proud of myself and to be black. ❤❤❤

[@heatherlee8827]

Omg that made me cry and gave me goosebumps...

[@Agent007xkgb]

You can see they truly love what they do!!!!!

[@kalypacs1886]

In tears every time 😭😭♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@richril3]

❤❤❤❤ Every time I here the first few bars, I start to wrap. Thank you Richard

[@badgalruth]

One word…..MAGNIFICENT 🙌gave me chillssssss powerful yet tamed never precarious but always genuinely uniqued full of love🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@MrsDaedalus_]

I watched The Lion King with my school when we were in London for two weeks in 2012. This makes me especially emotional. It really brings back memories.

[@ellenpearljackson5219]

When she sings the tears of joy come oh my and they're beautiful cast oh my tears of Joy body of old 82-year old woman's body never stop moving I dance to the whole song everytime I hear it I feel mother Africa I'm home God bless everyone in the circle of life

[@davidshakespeare5096]

One of the best performances ever. One act I will watch over and over again so emotional. Singing from the heart💙❤️

[@Otterpoptheotter]

God I could watch this musical a thousand times and STILL cry at the beginnning

[@deedee6854]

This is transcendent. I can’t ….. I have to catch my breath… such a spirit and wind ….

[@michmat77]

Artists all around the room! WAOOOOOOO!

[@monicasong1721]

This song always gets me. It is such privilege that we can see and listen to this amazing song even online. Thank you for the beautiful harmony!

[@mandyc6374]

Wow that was breath taking! I had goosebumps non-stop. Had seen a glimpse of this on reels and had to listen to the entire song. Well done! Can't find the words. That was truly beautiful!❤

[@berthaz2583]

This is so emotional! Their voices, and their feelings singing it just goes deep in my heart, it just makes me cry, but is a good cry. Wish one day I can see them in person. God bless you all with your amazing voices and you’re blessings us. Thank you, thank you. 🙏🙏👍👍👏👏👏

[@carogp4607]

Hace 30 años escuché esta canción por primera vez... Tenía 17 años cuando ví la película, y me emociona como aquel día, que voces tan maravillosas❤

[@samanthalivingston3279]

Goosebumps from the first note. Music is an amazing thing!

[@erikbeermann7228]

All the beautiful emotions and beautiful people making this stunning song possible Awesome!

[@bryanmcglothin2116]

Idk how many times I've watched this and I've cried every time, seeing this on Broadway a couple years ago I was so emotional during the opening act. This is my all time favorite Disney movie and the only Broadway show I've ever wanted to see on Broadway, the raw emotions of all the preformers being able to start to bring this back to an audience is absolutely amazing and you can feel it in all of them!! #GOAT

[@Lizzie-uf3dt]

I wish I was in this room when this was recorded. The raw emotion, they’ve been affected by covid for so long, and it shows by how emotional everyone is. It’s magical

[@rachelsnook3550]

Saw them in London, goosebumps throughout the whole show. A feast for the eyes and ears. If you haven't gone to this then you are missing out

[@natashax8444]

My eyes filled with water for the excitement on their faces😍😍😍😍😍

[@timjay77]

Crying.. Makes the heart and soul swell. Can we please get a version of this without the montages...just the performers doing their thing? No video production needed. The artists in that room performing in real time is all we want to see. Can't wait to see this live in a theatre again!

[@amandanectar]

I've just been to see the lion king at the lyceum today and it was truly magnificent. The music, acting and costumes are spell binding. This clip does not do this wall of sound justice! I will remember this afternoon forever! Thank you

[@beverlygirl123ify]

So majestic and moving!!