The world’s number one musical is coming back to Brisbane — here’s everything you need to know about tickets, dates and the highly anticipated return season.
Brisbane theatre lovers have something spectacular to look forward to in 2026, with Disney’s global smash-hit musical The Lion King officially returning to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).
After more than ten years since its last Brisbane season, the award-winning production will once again bring the magic of Pride Rock to Queensland audiences, with performances beginning Sunday, 15 November 2026.
Tickets for Disney’s The Lion King Brisbane season go on sale from 9.00am Thursday, 23 July 2026 via thelionkingmusical.com.au, with early access available for eligible ComBank Yello customers from Thursday, 16 July 2026.
A Brisbane favourite makes a triumphant return
The return of The Lion King is exciting news for Queensland theatre fans, following the extraordinary success of its previous Brisbane season in 2014.
That production became one of QPAC’s biggest box office successes, breaking records by selling more tickets in one day than any show before it and going on to sell out its entire 19-week season.
The musical remains the second highest-selling production in QPAC history, behind only The Phantom of the Opera, proving the enduring love Brisbane audiences have for this spectacular stage experience.
Why audiences continue to love The Lion King
Approaching three decades on Broadway, The Lion King continues to stand as one of the most successful musicals in the world, having been experienced by more than 127 million people globally.
The production combines breathtaking costumes, extraordinary puppetry, powerful storytelling and a soundtrack that has become part of popular culture.
Audiences can expect to hear much-loved songs including:
Circle of Life
Hakuna Matata
Can You Feel the Love Tonight
The iconic score features music by Elton John, Tim Rice, Hans Zimmer and Lebo M, blending Broadway brilliance with the rhythms and sounds of Africa.
Award-winning production returns with world-class cast
The Brisbane season will feature an outstanding cast of Australian, New Zealand and international performers.
Leading the production is Buyi Zama, returning as Rafiki for her third Australian appearance in the role. She is joined by Nick Afoa as Mufasa, with the principal cast including:
Daniel Frederiksen as Scar
Benn Welford as Zazu
Aphiwe Nyezi as Simba
Emily Nkomo as Nala
Jamie McGregor as Timon
Rutene Spooner as Pumbaa
The production continues to showcase the creative vision of director and designer Julie Taymor, whose groundbreaking use of masks, puppetry and movement changed the way audiences experience musical theatre.
Disney’s The Lion King Brisbane tickets and dates
Show: Disney’s The Lion King
Location: Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Brisbane
Opening night: Sunday, 15 November 2026
Tickets on sale: Thursday, 23 July 2026 at 9.00am
Official ticket information: thelionkingmusical.com.au
Accessible performances will also be available during the Brisbane season, with further details to be announced.
A must-see Brisbane theatre event for 2026
