NCT brings back The Lion King JR., 03–19 July 2026, reimagined with fresh direction, choreography, and young talent.

NCT presents
Disney’s The Lion King JR.

Gauteng’s best family show is back and more breathtaking than ever.

The National Children’s Theatre (NCT) proudly announces the return of Disney’s The Lion King JR. for its third and most spectacular, season. This marvellous production is running from 03–19 July 2026 at NCT’s iconic Parktown theatre.

Fifty-one extraordinary young performers aged 7 to 13 will bring the Pride Lands to life as they pour their hearts into a newly directed, newly choreographed, and entirely reimagined production. Whether you’ve seen it before, or this will be your first time, this wonderful production is not be missed.

Young Simba has big shoes, or rather, big paws to fill. After the loss of his father Mufasa, he flees the Pride Lands, haunted by guilt and pursued by his scheming uncle Scar. Through the help of the irrepressible Timon and Pumbaa, and guided by the wisdom of those he loves, Simba discovers his true destiny. The circle of life continues, and the magic of one of the world’s best-loved stories comes alive on stage with iconic songs, breathtaking choreography, and the raw, joyful talent of NCT’s remarkable young cast.

“This third season represents an entirely new chapter for our production of The Lion King JR.,” asserts NCT Artistic Director Ivor Jones. “We set ourselves the challenge of creating something audience have never seen before. We didn’t only revisit this beloved story, but reimagined how it’s told. With Game Bovana in the director’s seat and Oscar Buthelezi bringing a completely fresh choreographic vision, we’ve built a production that is bolder and more ambitious than anything we’ve put on this stage before. I am incredibly proud of what this team and these young thespians have created together.”

On the direction of the choreography Buthelezi adds, “Movement is how we tell the truth of a character. Every gesture, every step has been crafted to reflect who these animals are and what they feel. I’ve worked hard to create choreography that is accessible for our young performers while being genuinely breathtaking for the audience. I believe we’ve created something very special.”

This ambitious new choreography is accompanied by vocal coaching provided by Ntambo Rapatla, ensuring that the powerful and emotional score lands with the same impact as the rest of the production. NCT is also proud to welcome back the choir of Donaldson Primary School, whose voices add another layer of beauty. There is a deep respect for community that makes this show truly extraordinary.

“The voices in this production are something to behold,” says vocal coach Nthambo Rapatla. “Our cast has worked with extraordinary dedication to find the emotional truth in every song. When you combine that with the Donaldson Primary School choir, the sound that fills this theatre is something that will stay with audiences long after they leave. This production is celebration of what theatre can be when it is rooted in local talent, community, and authentic South African passion.”

“Coming into this production, my goal was to honour the story people love while making something that feels completely alive and of the moment,” tells Bovana. “These young stars have given everything in rehearsals. Their time, their creativity, and their joy. I want audiences to feel all of that the moment the lights come up. The Pride Lands have never felt this real.”

“This is National Children’s Theatre’s most spectacular production of The Lion King JR. to date,” concludes Belinda Germeshuizen, NCT’s COO. “If you’ve never seen it you absolutely have to experience it. And if you’ve seen it before, you haven’t seen it quite like this.”

Tickets are expected to sell out fast and interested audiences are encouraged to book now. Bookings for NCT’s The Lion are available at https://www.quicket.co.za/events/370537-disneys-the-lion-king-jr/?preview=t#/

When: 03 – 19 July 2026
Where: NCT, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg
Book now: www.NCTheatreSA.org/program or via https://www.quicket.co.za/events/370537-disneys-the-lion-king-jr/?preview=t#/

National Children’s Theatre NCT TRUST
nthabiseng@nctheatresa.org.za
011 484 1584
National Children’s Theatre
http://www.nctheatresa.org