"Circle of Life" first 2021 rehearsal performance | The Lion King in the West End

Rehearsals have started again for The Lion King and videographers were on hand to capture the emotional moment when the cast was reunited and sang Circle of Life together for the first time!
Since then preparations have been in full swing as the production prepares to welcome audiences back to experience Disney’s award-winning musical at the Lyceum Theatre.

[@beef4869]

The way she needed a sec to like, breathe Every time I hear this song it unlocks some forgotten part of my soul and I just forget about all of the shit in the world for a moment

[@aquamarinepisces4777]

right???

[@suzymarx]

"Every time I hear this song it unlocks some forgotten part of my soul" Perfectly said. Beef!

[@caradomings5777]

Yep.

[@katasoul78]

exactly.

[@peggyemerson4708]

First time I heard it was in a Disney store in the mall. Way before LK came out. I stood there with tears because it always speaks to my soul.

[@ThemeParkLuke]

The 13 dislikes are from Scar and all his Hyenas Edit - Damn this comment has had some love 😅😅😅 thanks guys

[@evey5018]

Yup

[@walteroduk]

lol

[@ytinas0717]

😂😂😂

[@TNPRIN051013]

So true

[@oldwoodsquotes3495]

🤣🤣

[@asandabway]

As a South African musical theatre student, I will always get emotional seeing my people dominate the west end and Broadway

[@Show_Guide]

Dominate world theatre too - it's the biggest selling and biggest grossing theatre show in the world EVER.

[@silvershoes9724]

Hi I am white British and felt very emotional watching this 🥺🥺 hope you fulfil all your dreams in your career, best of luck to you!

[@irieomg1233]

Very emotional. Cuts right through to my spirit.

[@blumberg1982]

As you should!

[@cassandramuller7337]

What always gets me about this movie/musical is that it's so coloured by hope. It starts out with this song and even as it becomes a story about growing up and taking responsibility it still remains a story about hope. About leading with hope. About living life with hope for a bright future. It's so powerful. Life and hope are so intrinsically entwined that they strengthen eachother and when we lose hope life starts slipping away. Hope is such a bright light. I think that's why this is the most popular musical out there. It's full of hope.

[@BehindTheMagic]

WOW. I’m crying already. Can’t imagine what it’ll be like in the theatre on the first night back! The King has returned! 🧡

[@collinnc2001]

That’s what I posted on Facebook when I shared the videos The King Has Returned This is so beautiful

[@Show_Guide]

It was awesome - Rafiki held it together well, until the encore when she let it all out. A really emotional night and the audience was brilliant.

[@butitsgoogleimages8303]

Love your channel!

[@meaganfrazier7814]

I cried when I saw it live a few years ago. It’s an emotional experience.

[@julianamelloholtzguebert3361]

I cry on The first note

[@Show_Guide]

My biggest concern is how on earth is Rafiki going to compose herself when she walks on to a packed house for the first time in 16 months...I.hope her make up is waterproof.

[@collinnc2001]

God Bless her!

[@Show_Guide]

@eleven I was there last night and the audience was amazing, they felt every bit of emotion of the actors and the performance and fed it back to the cast, I think that's why a number of them were so emotional - What a great evening, one I will not forget as long as I'm alive.

[@unicornalq11]

Oh I know they’re using that Ben Nye setting spray on her she’s gonna be just fine

[@ElizaHamilton1780]

What do you hate more about her? That she’s black or that she’s a woman? Just curious, since you don’t think she can handle it.

[@elamothe81]

Wish I could be in that audience

[@broadwaymike92]

OMG!!! That first night back..... the applause is NOT gonna stop.

[@dmaehazy]

This has me sobbing. This is one of the most powerful and amazing moments I’ve seen in a musical and to see just how moved everyone was to be able to sing it together again was so incredibly moving. Music is beautiful and powerful and people really need this.

[@kmf07302]

If this doesn't bring a tear to your eye, then nothing can or will. We are so close to having live theater back in our lives to fill our souls. Stay safe, vigilant against the Delta variant. If you have not been vaccinated yet, please reconsider so these productions do not shutter before they reopen and thrive again.

[@daeron_spes]

not having my dog brings me to tears.

[@KeKe4Christ]

Jesus dying on the cross for the entire world brings tears my eyes 🥺♥️

[@turrellianerrysdelrynn3316]

@@KeKe4Christ Preach!

[@isaacleer3487]

The one dislike is the person who couldn’t tell where the like button was because of the tears

[@Jason-Clark235]

There is seven dislikes now and I honestly can’t tell why they are disliking

[@Show_Guide]

@@Jason-Clark235 well, not everyone is decent...there will always be bad people and those uneducated in what class and talent really is and what it takes to be this good

[@collinnc2001]

I’ll go with that

[@mamabear2613]

They really just came for my emotions and I’m not even mad 😭 the talent is off the charts

[@collinnc2001]

Epic talent, brings epic tears! This is beautiful BEAUTIFUL

[@mamabear_w_her_twinn]

She opened her mouth and with the first ones the tears were falling. If this doesn't move you, you can't feel in your core, in your heart and soul where we all began. IDC who you are or where you're from, you started here. ❤️

[@irenemacias7423]

Beautiful what you said , and yes I cry everytime I see this and hear it , even more so , I wish I was from that beautiful Lion land 💖💖💖💖‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@adamstraka5843]

I can hear this piece thousands times and still going to cry, so emotional. My Dream is to see this West End performance once in a life.

[@Mbj10]

Why u crying ?

[@cwillner]

No microphones, no orchestra just glorious voices- amazing ❤❤❤

[@danromero]

What a thrill to be there as they reunite and sing together for the first time in 16 months. You can feel the energy and emotion through the screen. Chills and tears!

[@christypfeiffer3262]

Aww Rafiki! Seeing her get teary-eyed...made me wanna hug her! I'm so happy for all these theater people to be going back to their theaters and performing again! Also they're gonna need water resistant makeup opening night lol no idea what they're saying besides the English part of the song but I'm so happy for them!

[@anthonybenway8514]

Something about this song always invokes some sort of primal appreciation for the earth and all of its gifts. Forgetting about the whoas of the world if for these brief few minutes is needed. Thank you Lion Ling cast for this

[@Gibby0727]

Im in tears watching this for the third time in a row. This song already hits a very specific place emotionally but you can feel their emotions as they sing. Music charms the soul and is the true bridge between us as people.

[@debbieslough5974]

Seen it twice... definitely going back again this year. My daughter was crying as soon as the show started last time in 2019...she said it brought back memories of the first time I took her when she was a child ( shes 30 now !!) ❤❤❤❤❤

[@softeuph3974]

Guys I just saw this yesterday and I literally cried the whole song. So beautiful. I’m going back to see it with my African Mom on Tuesday and I know she’ll love it.

[@SeanPrevil]

The emotion they have in this video, the happiness they have to be back, it's just so special. I'm crying, I've got goosebumps, it's just so wonderful.

[@ypjman119]

One day I will make it through a performance of this song without tearing up….today was not that day!!! Incredible.

[@ericaduhaney8346]

SAME HEAR!! EVERYTIME!

[@deloresredman4792]

I cry just as much every time

[@adrianaagresta]

I hope you'll never be able to. Performances like this are truly amazing and deserve every single tear we shed

[@Andrealr2012]

Me too the minute it starts I'm sobbing and tbats before the entrance of the animals 😊❤❤❤

[@devinaschenbrenner2683]

Impossible. First note isn't even over and it begins.

[@Mntungwa77]

Singing has carried us as South Africans through it all, we sang as our leaders were taken away, sang as we bury the dead, we sing during protests, sang as our leaders emerged from prison, we sing at all sorts of occasions!!! It’s a sign of happiness, sadness and a symbol of our celebration for any occasion be it wedding or funeral! We sing with and without instruments! We gave the world the likes of Ladysmith Black Mambazo , the likes of DJ Black Coffee and now amapiano! We just love singing!!!

[@aerinn6136]

First note from her mouth brought instant tears. I don't know what it is with the Lion King, it just makes me so emotional...and I'm not even from Africa, I'm scandinavian..😢😢😢

[@rhondabrown5778]

The voices of my ancestors had attempted to be silenced through centuries of slavery, mistreatment, and death but here it is ... LOUD AND LIVE HEARD AROUND THE WORLD!!!!!

[@davemsn1]

No makeup. No props. No costumes. No stage. And yet we are completely taken away to a place that allows to feel their emotions within us. If this doesn't stir one's soul I'm not sure what would. Protect them. Protect us. Let's never go this long again without having live performances that move us all to tears.

[@despondentmemories]

The Lion King Musical was the first musical I saw in San Francisco when I was 8. I saw it again 10 years later. It’s such an amazing musical!

[@mollycblaeser]

That first moment she took to breathe, damn, it really hit me. I'm so so glad to see live theatre is coming back!

[@claudiefurgus3981]

Tears every time. After Covid this should be the theme song.

[@meggieamma]

It’s doesn’t matter how many times I watch this video, as soon as she opens her mouth, my heart beats slow down almost to a complete stop and I’m covered in goosebumps. By the time the last note is sung, my face hurts from smiling so hard. They are quiet simply amazing. I was fortunate enough to see them for the very first time when they reopen after the pandemic, and absolutely loved it. The Lion king is one my favourite movies of all time and I would actually like to say a huge thank you to you all for making it such a special show.

[@emilyk6166]

I’m responsible for at least 100 of these views… I can’t stop! Absolute perfection!

[@Mindfulnessnetwork]

Gugwana Dlamini is now part of the North American Tour 2021-2022 as Rafiki. We look forward to seeing her Oct 23 at the 2pm show, as we adore her. She had her roots all the way back to the animated cartoon as part of the choir.

[@mamajennrn1293]

Tears in my eyes. The last two years have been so rough for everyone. My opera singer husband is finally able to perform again and seeing your faces I can see that it's just as emotional for you as it was for him.

[@sirenpheonix626]

I am a sucker for this kind of thing. I started crying from the first note she let out! It's so powerful and emotional. I don't think I'd be able to make it through a live performance of it, I'd just weep. ❤️❤️🔥

[@jeannakilbane5567]

This is definitely one of the most beautiful and powerful songs ever written! So emotional! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@langross-roberts3948]

My dream is to be part of this musical. The rawness of it all, the people involved. So much love. So happy they're bringing it back.❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@rocknroll20024]

Same

[@ms.ebbiel.3550]

🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️

[@ClovertheUnburnt]

Oh my gosh this is overwhelming. It sounds like they're whole body and soul are folded into the music. I love it and it's so... much.

[@ColleenCM1124]

I'm not crying, you're crying. This was breathtaking. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@jeanwillis7774]

The raw talent emanating from that room is unbelievable!! Why hardly any hits? ♥️🇨🇦

[@jenniferyard4279]

It’s only just been released today! You wait a few days….

[@tiktokcouples5261]

Because it was a brand new video as of about a week ago. Has 225K hits now!

[@vikingrolloishot1789]

Black people I tell u

[@soniagonzalez4565]

My soul delights in this incredibly POWERFUL INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE!! It ALWAYS makes me cry It truly touches me so deeply to try and describe it their are no words really. I have yet to see it on Broadway; Ive seen the movie and I LOVE it. So if you see a woman crying her eyes out from happiness sitting next to you, yep that'll be me! LOL Break A Leg You AMAZING TALENTED CAST!! ( understatement!)

[@meala23]

Gugwana Dlamini is so glorious! Who are the awesome male vocalists?

[@meala23]

@@lawrenceobrien7856 Thank you so much! Mkhize Phumlane Jones 🙏🏽

[@directwhatsrealtv813]

"Here comes a lion, father Oh yes it’s a lion Here comes a lion, father Oh yes it’s a lion A lion We’re going to conquer A lion A lion and a leopard come to this open place"

[@paulathompson7548]

I cried! The energy and harmonies sent chills down my arms! I’d fly to London to see my favorite musical!

[@laragallagher9107]

Im originally from South Africa 🇿🇦 now living in Germany. Listening to this song sung with such beautiful voices and sung with such emotion makes me feel honoured to be a South African ♥️ It will always be my home, my roots♥️🤗

[@doubleLLz]

as a half south african person, this makes me so happy to see the RANGE and ABILTY of these voices😩

[@AnnaP-uh3mc]

Lol! Yes! Fellow half south african here and that music just rips through my whole soul. This performance was magical on so many levels 😭😭😭😭

[@vuyokazimthethwa]

Half South African? What's that 🤔🥴😂 what tribe/group?

[@AnnaP-uh3mc]

@@vuyokazimthethwa Well in my case, My Dad is South African and my mum is English.

[@vuyokazimthethwa]

@@AnnaP-uh3mc yeah what culture in SA is what I'm asking 🥴

[@AnnaP-uh3mc]

@@vuyokazimthethwa Ah! Yep, Dad is South African Indian.

[@desi4984]

This is why I love music. The energy in that room and the amazing sound produced was just incredible.

[@exohexoh3948]

Goosebumps from the first 3 lines. Geez, if this doesn't hit you square in your soul, you're probably already deceased.

[@G33kissexy]

I feel her. I don’t hear the Circle of Life without bawling. Ever. I’ve listened to that song since I was a little girl back in 94, still causes so many emotions. I can’t imagine performing it and it being gone, then coming back. How absolutely wonderful. Truly. 💗

[@mussdossantos6472]

The back vocals

[@blackbird944]

Not only is it a Disney Classic, a Legendary Masterpiece but, it's the lessons learned. A movie about knowing who you are and where you come from! This song never ceases to give me goosebumps! 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 #lionkingforever

[@DaemonCL]

affff It is impossible not to cry, that song marked my childhood and that of many.

[@leomessiAdizero]

Will never forget the feeling of hearing this in a theatre. Incredibly moving. I can only imagine how much it affects the actors.

[@freedom7508]

When Africa speaks, the world listens. When Africa sings, the world weeps. I love you, mummy Africa.

[@elliebley4354]

As a musical theater student, this got me thinking about if my high school had got to reunite like this for our spring musical. This song is so beautiful and a perfect memoir to unity and solidarity. Their voices have so much synchronization and soul even after not seeing each other after months.

[@catemcnair9329]

The Lion King was my first broadway show when i was 4, and even though i dont remember most of it, the opening number will never leave my mind as one of the most amazing experiences of my life. i cant wait for theatre to really be back

[@leahbuck5153]

Seen a bit of this on my tiktok for you page, just had to come over here and watch the full version. Love the show

[@collinnc2001]

Me too THIS IS PHENOMENAL

[@Henriiii-vw1dj]

This is honestly just so incredible, the best think I’ve heard in a while

[@shonacorrigan4011]

Such a beautiful and emotional performance, something i didn't know I needed in my life

[@kejiakayouroldersister]

I love seeing the emotion in the performance. It’s more than a song it’s really a movement, a calling to gather! After so long apart. I love this show and this performance was amazing to watch

[@CandiedLittleYams]

You just know he’s been doing that solo in his living room for months! I have know idea what he says but I be in church.

[@IsThisTheHill]

I saw this live in San Diego. Started weeping from note one. Cried through most of the show. Just an incredible experience. This was so moving to see. To see her gear up for that first emotional note as well.

[@kaytenesabatino4076]

Agreed! I saw it Sunday for the first time and the second the first now came out of her mouth, I had head to toe chills and tears just poured . So emotional!

[@cristoarias6341]

this is the kind of song that... i can hear it one thousand of times one after other and allways!!! i cry... allways... what a powerful song melody and soul!!

[@jenniferyard4279]

Such a powerful, emotional and magical moment! Good luck to the whole cast and crew! ❤️❤️❤️

[@LuxonsLight]

I absolutely love hearing things like this. All of these old cultures have such beautiful music. African tribes, native Americans, etc. they all had and have such a beautiful connection with the earth that is seemingly lost today. But I feel as if my soul is brought back to this connectivity when I hear this kind of music and think about the world as it is and was. Truly beautiful and awe inspiring 💙

[@loukens125]

I have chills watching this. they're soo good.

[@silvershoes9724]

My urge to sing “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” is just a whim away, a whim away, a whim away….

[@azyurentertainment1496]

Blessings to this cast and my fellow Thespians!!!

[@MissLadee1]

Come on my people 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 this was the very first show I ever saw on Broadway in 1998 and it STILL gives me chills! Come all the way through Motherland❤

[@carriew5106]

Tears. This is what makes live performances magic. Wonderful to see how joyful they are getting to return.

[@miguelquijanomike]

From Mexico, I surrender to those magnificent voices. (04-16-2023 / 9:32 P. M.)

[@84saints]

Man I got the feels in the USA. There’s so much pain but so much joy that you can hear in this! Glad all the theater folks are making a come back.

[@misscityhopper]

I cant wait to see you all at the Lyceum Theather this summer 🤩

[@nickaloadedgun]

The very first movie i ever saw as a child (back in the 90s) was The lion king. My Grandma took me to see it. My grandma was a world traveler, entrepreneur, business woman. After the movie she took me to the book store and bought me the Cassette tape of the soundtrack to Lion King. She blasted it. Fast Forward to a few years ago (in my 30s now), Gram died of breast cancer. When the "real version" of lion king came out, I went to go see it and i took my necklace that has her ashes in it with me so we could see it one last time. She would of loved this as well. There is something so special about the lyrics "the circle of life". It touches, it heals, and wakes you up. That's my circle of life story. Love you gram!

[@maremdouk]

💙🦁👑

[@maremdouk]

God bless!

[@i3igi3angarang]

Can't help but have tears come to my eyes...humans are beautiful, amazing, incredible creatures...when we lift our voices together, ground can break.

[@robertjones3881]

If I go see this I'm Goin to be crying like a baby

[@saotastic]

The joy this brings I'm also tearing up! This proves to me we need a revival of shows like Ipi Ntombi and Sarafina! because they are much needed!

[@sashafierce4524]

Dedicated to those who are no longer with us due to COVID-19.....😭❤️

[@lisamello2653]

Absolutely beautiful, I can’t even imagine the feeling in the room when you began the rehearsal. I got goose bumps.

[@megorex630]

I’ve seen the show touring 2x, and I cry every time.. like, from beginning to the end of the show… just sitting here at home and it still evokes those feeling for me. 🧡💛🖤

[@addlzp2009]

I am so glad someone captured this moment

[@kayliathequeen9612]

This was beautiful and amazing their voices and zero mics. I'm blown away

[@kamanonickname]

This is the one musical I probably newer see in my country bc it is dominated by white people. I don't think it would be ok to do this with white cast and I don't think there is enough black musical actors here :(

[@vileGlass]

It is bringing tears to my eyes thinking that we are finally getting close to enjoying live theatre again. - Backstage tech.

[@kathleenbryant7334]

😳 Wow so wonderful 💕 An amazing way to watch the sun rise while listening to these talented performers! Thank you from Texas💕💕

[@ASmith-ic3uz]

Before the 1st note I knew she was gonna go off. I was a little skeptical but when I saw her crying. I knew she was gonna go off. It's sort of like when you walk into the waffle house, if you see the cook coming in from a smoke break or arguing in the back between the employees you know the food's gonna be good

[@davidcox1396]

Gugwana Dlamini Rafiki Shaun Escoffery Mufasa Sadia McEwen Sarabi George Asprey Scar The Lion King Current London West End

[@hafthorgudmundsson5882]

As a person that grew up watching Lion King. THANK YOU! I tear up every time i watch this video.

[@sakuratsukino5028]

I feel so sad that nick afoa is no longer there but I welcome the new simba. Busa Simba iyo!!!

[@joylynvestoso7785]

I will always LOVE African singers ... They always have that natural power to make a song so powerful .. Love this group 🥰🥰

[@riyaandebruyn4097]

Long live South Africa c",) Cape Town

[@themeparkreel]

this bought a tear to my eye!!! the west end is back!!!! i pray it never has to close for so long ever again! the talent in that room is mind blowing ❤️

[@xolanicele4653]

I see a lot of familiar faces from the former Natal Technikon days....wow wow wow

[@Doggy12347]

This was absolutely amazing, I'm in total awe of the talent. Sounds like God's choir.

[@MissAmandaJoy5]

Who played Rafiki?? She’s magic

[@GKFF9872]

This song already so powerful, after all of us having to go through and still going through these past years, makes it transcendent. Nothing connects us all like being a part of the circle of life.

[@staceycrawford4869]

I can't get enough of this!! I've watched this multiple times a day, every day since I found this. So powerful and so full of emotion!! ❤️

[@justinarnellwest]

Elton John may have wrote this song, but this belongs to the motherland.

[@margaritadejesus7918]

I love this musical. It is my favorite of all times.

[@ymjj1994]

I’m literally sobbing 😭😭😭 this got me so emotional and this is amazing, extremely amazing

[@CryssLovesMusic]

I felt chills through my entire body. Thank y’all! 🌻🙌🏾

[@fmgsoulja7700]

She’s as beautiful as her soul & I hope she is truly blessed I love her sooo much

[@fmgsoulja7700]

I wish I can sang that song with her 1 day since I was a kid I always wish I could sang I’m 31yrs ol in the streets more then to much & the life I live is scary but when listen to her sing Circles of Life her voice made felt safe so for that I really appreciate you all & the Spirit and energy that come with you all I love you I love you mama

[@nguafoh4241]

I am a Cameroonian but I must admit you guys are great in music. Just love as you guys promote Africa music. May God continue to lift you people with his righteous right hand.