Our Year Five pupils experience the wonder of live theatre as they visit the Lyceum Theatre in London’s West End to watch the award-winning production of The Lion King. With its breathtaking costumes, powerful music, and unforgettable performances, the show brings the African savannah to life and leaves pupils both amazed and inspired.

In class, the learning continues. Pupils reflect on their experience through discussion and producing work across the curriculum—but more than this, they begin to explore the many careers that make a production like The Lion King possible. From actors to musicians, make-up artists to costume designers, sound technicians to stage managers, script-writers to directors—this trip provides a real-world insight into the creative industries.

This links directly with our curriculum intent: to open pupils’ eyes to the wide range of career possibilities available to them. With the arrival of the new film studios at Dagenham East, who knows? Some of our pupils may one day find themselves working behind the scenes—or centre stage.

The story of The Lion King, following Simba’s journey from playful cub to wise king, teaches important life lessons about courage, responsibility, forgiveness and identity. These themes offer powerful opportunities for reflection and discussion back at school.

A huge thank you goes to the staff who give up their time to make this enriching experience possible. It’s a day our pupils will remember for years to come.

For more images, please visit our gallery page within the app or click here on our website: William Ford Junior School - Y5 Lion King - Lyceum Theatre