The Lion King: the musical back for a sixth season at the Mogador Theatre – our review

The Lion King returns to the Mogador Theatre in Paris starting September 2026 for a sixth season of the famous musical. Staged in the Paris venue more than ten years after its last performance on this stage, the show adapts the story of Simba in a production driven by music, costumes, masks, and puppets.

Created in 1997, the musical theatre The Lion King has carved out a permanent place in the international world of theatre. Debuted in Minneapolis, it has since played on grand stages such as Broadway, London, Paris, Hamburg, Tokyo and Singapore. With more than 110 million attendees worldwide, this stage adaptation continues to attract a broad audience, from musical lovers and families to movie fans drawn to the film’s universe.

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The show brings together a lineup of big-name talents from the worlds of stage and music. The score is by Hans Zimmer, the lyrics by Tim Rice, and the choreography by Garth Fagan. The visual dimension is also central, thanks to Julie Taymor, who designed costumes, masks, and puppets that bring the savannah’s wildlife to life.

The plot follows Simba, a young cub destined to become king. After the death of his father, Mufasa, he leaves his kingdom and drifts away from his destiny. During his exile, he teams up with Timon and Pumbaa, who usher him into a lighter, carefree life. The return of Nala marks a turning point in his journey and pushes him to confront his past. Through this story, The Lion King tackles themes like identity, family, heritage, responsibility, and the search for self, explaining its enduring appeal to generations of audiences.

Note that the Théâtre Mogador also offers performances tailored for visually and hearing-impaired audiences, and for neurodivergent individuals. This programming enables more spectators to experience The Lion King in Paris under accessible conditions, starting with the 2026 season.

Our review:

Astonishing! The Lion King is a spellbinding show that takes audiences of all ages on a remarkable voyage. Inside Théâtre Mogador, spectators are fully immersed in the world of the Lion King, Disney’s iconic film.

To understand why the musical has been touring the globe for years, one need only attend a performance. From the opening moment, the stage unveils a stunning tableau as all the savannah’s animals gather together. A dazzling production that promises even more to come!

And indeed, the rest does not disappoint: the scenes unfold before the audience, enhanced by breathtaking costumes. The dancers and singers merge so seamlessly with their outfits that you almost forget there are actors beneath. The costumes are so articulated that performers sing and dance while guiding their costumes’ movements, creating a cartoon-like illusion.

The beauty of the costumes pairs with spectacular choreography, notably the hyenas’ and Scar’s numbers, a true visual and sonic explosion. The musical remains faithful to the film’s story, and you can’t help but well up at Mufasa’s death or burst out laughing at Timon and Pumbaa’s quips.

The young actors playing Nala and Simba deliver an impressive performance, as does the rest of the cast. It’s hard not to be swept away by the vocal prowess on display, especially Rafiki’s distinctive voice. The Lion King is a timeless pause, a real feast for the eyes and ears—a must-see show in Paris!

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