Disney’s The Lion King has completed its record-breaking run at The Palace in Manchester, having generated more than £15 million for the local economy. The award-winning musical has played to more than 322,000 people at 166 performances.
The legendary musical boosted its position as the largest touring theatre production by attracting visitors from every corner of the UK—60% of the audience travelled from outside Greater Manchester, including as far afield as the Shetland Islands.
Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, said: "It has been, without doubt, one of the biggest tourism highlights of recent years.”
The show was also awarded Best Musical at the annual Manchester Theatre Awards, providing a triumphant conclusion.
In recognition, The Walt Disney Company presented a lioness mask to the Palace Theatre, designed by the show’s director Julie Taymor, and which is now on display in the theatre foyer.