It will then play a Christmas season at Manchester's Palace Theatre, beginning performances Dec. 1 prior to an official opening Dec. 6, for a run through March 31, 2013, before visiting a further eight cities in the U.K. and Ireland over a period of two-and-a-half years. Further touring dates are still to be announced. In a press statement, Thomas Schumacher, producer and president Disney Theatrical Productions, commented, "We continue to be thrilled by how UK audiences have enjoyed The Lion King in London, and have long wished to also share this production with audiences nationally. Following years of planning, and after receiving the counsel of some very smart friends in the British theatre world, we are delighted to be launching a production that conveys Julie Taymor's epic vision and at a moment that feels absolutely right."

Since first opening on Broadway in 1997, The Lion King has played in 15 countries on 5 continents and been translated into 6 languages. In addition to the ongoing original Broadway and London productions, it can be seen in Tokyo, Hamburg, Sapporo, Madrid and on tour in the U.S. The UK tour of The Lion King will be the 20th production to premiere internationally.

Tickets for the Bristol run go on sale Feb. 22. To book tickets, contact the box office 0844 871 3033. Tickets for the Manchester run go on sale Feb. 27. To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 871 3004, or visit www.thelionking.co.uk for more details.