From professional rugby to musical theatre... that may be the best second career change we've ever heard of. Former All Blacks star Nick Afoa makes his West End debut, playing Simba in The Lion King, a role he first played in Australia.
Disney Theatrical Productions today announced that new cast will join the London production of THE LION KING from May 2016. Alongside changes in the ensemble cast, Nicholas Afoa is to take on the role of Simba at the Lyceum Theatre.
Nicholas (Nick) Afoa made his stage debut as Simba in the Australian production of THE LION KING in 2013 and played Simba in the Sydney production of the landmark musical between 2013 and 2016 performing more than 860 times over that period. The opportunity to play the role in the West End production will bring Afoa to London for the first time, as he embarks on his second professional theatre engagement.
Not unlike his character in THE LION KING, Afoa has had a journey to take his place on stage. The New Zealand-born, Auckland-raised performer had a promising rugby career with the All Blacks until he was sidelined by injury.
After recovering and dedicating himself to his theatre career, nearly a decade later, the 30-year-old beat 400 other hopefuls to the role of Simba in the Australian production. Afoa is currently in rehearsal and will appear in the production from 10 May 2016.
Other new members of the cast include: Etian Almeida, Jonathan Andre, Janique Charles, Zinhle Dube, Sandile Gontsana, Kwesi Jeffers, Stephanie Lo, Sadia McEwen, Khaya Maseko, Daniel Monteiro, Nosipho Nkonqa, Dominique Planter, Antoine Murray-Straughan, Kayode Salina and Ricardo Walker.
Disney’s award-winning musical THE LION KING is now in its 17th triumphant year at London’s Lyceum Theatre. Since the UK premiere in London on Tuesday 19 October 1999, THE LION KING has entertained over 13 million theatregoers and remains the West End’s best-selling stage production. It is currently the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time. Tickets are currently on sale until 2 October 2016 for individuals and 4 June 2017 for Groups.
Julie Taymor’s internationally-celebrated stage adaptation of Disney’s beloved animated film premiered on Broadway in 1997 and has now been seen by more than 80 million people across six continents. Eight productions are running concurrently around the globe. In addition to the record-breaking productions in London and New York, THE LION KING can currently be seen in Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, Mexico City; and on tour across North America and Japan. THE LION KING is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.
