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Scramble for tickets as fans rush to see The Lion King

Tens of thousands of tickets went on sale today for Disney's spectacular The Lion King which roars into Birmingham for three months next summer as part of its first ever UK tour.

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The box office opened up early at 8am today at Birmingham Hippodrome with the first 100 theatre fans bagging a free copy of the Lion King CD as well as the best seats.

The mammoth show will run from June 29 and runs until September 28.

The production brings together a cast of more than 50 actors, singers and dancers, from 17 different countries, supported by a backstage team of more than 100 people.

The touring production is the biggest musical production ever to tour the UK. With 26 different types of animals, hundreds of masks and puppets and more than 700 elaborate costumes, 21 giant trucks are used to transport sets and props the across the country.

The production was officially launched in Birmingham yesterday.

Stephen Crocker, director of marketing and creative at Disney Theatrical Group, said: "The secret to why people love The Lion King is not down to one answer. There are so many different things about the show that people and love and connect with.

"From the story to the music, everyone's experience is different, capturing their imagination in a variety of ways. It is a purely theatrical event, and that is what makes it so special. Bringing this full stage production to Birmingham requires a different way of getting it on stage, but once there, audiences will enjoy exactly the same as any other production showing in London or New York.

"We had to find new ways to incorporate certain elements without compromising on the scale. That even includes a mask and puppetry department, unlike other shows.

"The version that will showcase at Birmingham Hippodrome next summer will be completely on par with the absolute best version of the show that they will ever see anywhere else in the world."

Disney's The Lion King is based on the beloved Academy animated film.

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