The Lion King Musical in Madrid | Prices, Theatre, Duration & Honest Review
History of The Lion King Musical: From Broadway to Madrid
If you know the original The Lion King movie (and I’m sure you do), imagine seeing it come to life right in front of you, with giant animals, live voices and a stage production that leaves you speechless. That’s how The Lion King Musical was born — one of the most exciting shows in the world, and without a doubt, the most iconic in Madrid.
This musical is not simply an adaptation of the film: it’s an artistic reinterpretation that combines theatre, African music, masks, dance, and an incredible level of detail that impresses even those who have seen it more than once.
Where Was The Lion King Musical Created?
The musical was created by Disney Theatrical and directed by Julie Taymor, one of Broadway’s most creative minds. She designed the iconic masks, puppets and costumes that made this show famous around the world.
The show premiered on Broadway, New York, in 1997, and since then it hasn’t stopped breaking records. In fact, it’s one of the most awarded musicals and also the highest-grossing show in Broadway history.
Its success was so huge that it quickly expanded across the globe.
The Lion King Arrives in Madrid in 2011
Madrid became the first Spanish-speaking city to host this spectacular show. It premiered in Spain in 2011, at the iconic Teatro Lope de Vega, right on the famous Gran Vía.
Since then, it has filled the theatre week after week, with performances from Tuesday to Sunday and some days with two sessions. What’s even more amazing is that the show continues to sell out every year.
If you’re visiting the city, watching The Lion King Musical is one of those experiences you simply must live at least once.
Curious Facts About The Lion King Musical
- It is the highest-grossing musical in Broadway history.
- More than 200 puppets, masks and mechanical elements appear on stage.
- Over 150 professionals take part in each performance, including actors, musicians, technicians and wardrobe teams.
- Every voice and sound is performed live, which is truly impressive when you’re there.
- Most costumes are tailor-made for each performer.
- More than 25 animal species are represented on stage, from birds to four-metre-tall giraffes.
Where Is The Lion King Musical Held in Madrid?
The Lion King Musical in Madrid is performed at the historic Teatro Lope de Vega, the same venue where it premiered for the first time in 2011. This theatre, with more than 70 years of history, is located in the heart of Gran Vía, one of the city’s most iconic avenues.
Getting there is very easy from anywhere in Madrid:
- Metro Line 5 (green): Get off at Callao and walk about 5 minutes along Gran Vía.
- Metro Line 2 (red): Get off at Santo Domingo, just a 2-minute walk from the theatre.
- Nearby buses: Lines 1, 2, 74, 146 (Gran Vía / Plaza España).
- By car: several car parks are within 3–5 minutes, such as Parking Plaza de los Mostenses or Parking Isabel la Católica.
- Walking: if you’re staying in the city centre, you’ll probably be able to walk there — highly recommended, especially at night.
Ticket Prices for The Lion King Musical in Madrid
Ticket prices vary depending on the seating area, day of the performance and how far in advance you buy them. As a general guide, prices usually range between:
- Cheapest tickets: €40 to €75
- Standard / mid-range tickets: €80 to €120
- Premium seats and best views: €100 to €200 or more
Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the cheapest days, while weekends and holidays are usually more expensive due to high demand.
Our Experience Choosing the Seats
We chose seats in the Club Preferente zone (second floor), between rows 1 and 4, centred. Honestly, it was one of the best choices we could have made. From there, you can see the entire stage, the actors, the musicians, the conductor… absolutely everything.
We even preferred it over the first-floor stalls, because being slightly higher allows you to better appreciate the overall choreography, the puppets and the movement of the animals on stage.
How Long Does The Lion King Musical Last?
The Lion King Musical lasts a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes, including an intermission. The theatre doors usually open 1 hour before the show begins, so I recommend arriving around 30 minutes early — enough time for a bathroom break, to grab a snack and enter without rushing.
Intermission During the Show
There is a 20-minute intermission halfway through the performance. It’s great for kids, and even if you’re going as a couple or with friends, it’s a good moment to stretch your legs.
We preferred to stay seated, but walking a bit down the aisle helps you return with renewed energy.
The show is very enjoyable overall. There are moments when your eyes follow the actors, and others when you’ll want to focus on the musicians, the conductor or the puppets because the coordination and technical work are spectacular.
What If You Arrive Late?
If you arrive late, you won’t be allowed in immediately. Theatre staff will let you know when it’s safe to enter without interrupting the performance.
Lion King Musical Schedule in Madrid
Schedules may vary slightly, but generally:
- Tuesday to Thursday: shows at 19:00 or 20:00
- Fridays and Saturdays: two shows, at 17:00 and 21:00
- Sundays and holidays: one show at 16:00 (may vary on special dates)
I recommend checking updated schedules when buying your tickets. You can see official information here:
Official Lion King Madrid Tickets.
Is The Lion King Musical Worth It? My Honest Opinion
Absolutely — The Lion King Musical is 100% worth it. It doesn’t matter how much you pay or where you sit: it’s an experience you will remember. I personally had been wanting to see it for years, and when I finally did… it exceeded every expectation.
We all know the story, but seeing it performed live is something entirely different. The live voices, the music, the costumes, the masks, the movement of the animals and the overall quality of the cast make this show feel alive, emotional and crafted with incredible attention to detail.
It’s perfect to enjoy with kids, your partner, friends or family. It has humour, emotion, action, music and moments that give you goosebumps. It’s a show that doesn’t leave anyone indifferent—even if you’ve watched the movie a thousand times.
If you’re planning a trip to Madrid or you simply want to experience something special in the city, this musical is a guaranteed success.
And yes, don’t forget to grab a souvenir. They’re a bit pricey, but very special. In my case, I chose SIMBA 🦁.
