Disney Theatrical Group has today announced their complete casting for the upcoming Sydney season of The Lion King, which is scheduled to commence performances at the Capitol Theatre on 18 April 2026 – serving as the company’s ninth production in Sydney over the last three decades – including two prior performances of The Lion King.
Leading the cast as the antagonist Scar is Daniel Frederiksen, an Australian actor with a background spanning various local theatre companies as well as film and television. He joins a list of principal performers that includes Buyi Zama, who is returning to the role of Rafiki. Zama has a long history with the production, having played the character in the 2003 and 2013 Australian tours, along with several international seasons.
The role of Mufasa will be played by Nick Afoa, who previously made his theatrical debut as Simba over a decade ago. The 2026 principal cast also features Aphiwe Nyezi as Simba, Emily Nkomo as Nala, Benn Welford as Zazu, Jamie McGregor as Timon, and Rutene Spooner as Pumbaa. The trio of hyenas will be portrayed by Ezra Williams as Shenzi, Winston Hillyer as Banzai, and Mat Verevis as Ed.
Supporting the leads is a large ensemble of 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.
Also joining the cast as Young Simba is Jared Bickerton, Christopher Joseph, Dev Raval and Caleb Tasmin, while the role of Young Nala will be portrayed by Samara Coull-Williams, Chloe Ngadimin, Myarissa Sharifudin and Wilhemina Umeh-Nicholas.
The production is managed by Disney Theatrical, which is currently led by Managing Director Andrew Flatt and Executive Producer Anne Quart. Tickets for the Sydney season are currently available through the official website.
