Disney has revealed the full cast that will step into the pride lands when THE LION KING returns to Sydney. The world’s number #1 musical will roar into the Capitol Theatre with performances from Saturday 18 April.
Announced today Australian stage and screen actor Daniel Frederiksen, whose credits include film, television and working with leading theatre companies across Australia, will step into the role of Scar.
Appearing alongside Frederiksen and making up the ensemble will be a group of talented and diverse performers including:
Shugri Abdi, Mario Acosta-Cevallos, Claire Abaijah-Griffin, Tara Bajan, Evangeline Batucan, Sophie Dadge, Ed Deganos, Leorate Dibatana, Junior Dilape, Matt Domingo, Joe Gaudion, Mukelisiwe Goba, Chaska Halliday, Jayme-Lee Hanekom, Annie-Lenore Hanman, Hamish Johnston, Khaya Mniki, Iteboge Modipane, Kearabetswe Mogotsi, Steven Mokone, Lwazi Mzimase, Buhle Nkomo, Rania Potaka-Osborne, Jack Rowan, Jacob Rozario, Laila Salloum, Asmara Soekotjo, Chemon Theys, Clifford Tlomatsana, Dean Vince, Tarisai Vushe, Brendan Xavier, Asemahle Xenti and Angel Zum.
The ensemble cast join the principal performers previously announced, who will bring the beloved characters of THE LION KING to life on stage.
Buyi Zama returns to lead the cast as Rafiki, reprising the iconic role for a third time in Australia. She previously played Rafiki in the 2003 and 2013 tours and has been part of THE LION KING productions around the world. Following his theatre debut twelve years ago as Simba, Nick Afoa also returns, this time taking on the role of Mufasa.
Completing the principal cast will be Benn Welford as Zazu, Aphiwe Nyezi as Simba, Emily Nkomo as Nala, Jamie McGregor as Timon, Rutene Spooner as Pumbaa, Ezra Williams as Shenzi, Winston Hillyer as Banzai and Mat Verevis as Ed.
Audiences at the Capitol Theatre will join more than 124 million worldwide who have seen THE LION KING.
THE LION KING has been critically acclaimed around the world, with The New York Times proclaiming that ‘there is simply nothing else like it’. The previous 2013 Sydney season of THE LION KING was celebrated by both audiences and critics.
THE LION KING will be the ninth production from Disney Theatrical Group to play in Sydney over the past thirty years. This follows an impressive list of smash-hits that include recent national tours of Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Mary Poppins and Frozen.
Now in its fourth decade as a theatrical producer, Disney Theatrical is headed by Managing Director Andrew Flatt and Executive Producer Anne Quart.
Disney’s THE LION KING runs from 18 April to 30 August 2026 at the Capitol Theatre. 13 Campbell St, Haymarket NSW 2000.
Tickets are on sale now!
Website: https://thelionkingmusical.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/thelionkingau/
Hero image: Buyi Zama on stage as Rafiki, supplied.
The Australian premiere of Disney’s THE LION KING is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
