Disney’s award-winning musical The Lion King has much to celebrate here in Southampton and in the capital.

This week the London show at the Lyceum Theatre welcomed its 12 millionth visitor while here the touring production reached its 5,000th performance as it continues to pack audiences in at The Mayflower Theatre.

Mayflower chief executive Michael Ockwell told the Daily Echo he is delighted with the show’s success and is hopeful he can bring the show back.

He said: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring The Lion King to Southampton and that while the show was at The Mayflower Theatre it celebrated its 5,000 touring performance.

“The feedback from audiences has been amazing with standing ovations and people wanting to come back to see the show again. We have also been surprised by how many of the audience are visiting Mayflower Theatre for the first time so we hope they become regular customers.

"When the show leaves Southampton on September 6 we will reflect on a wonderful experience for the theatre and audiences and hope we may be able to bring it back one day.”

There will be further celebrations for the show in October when it marks its 15th anniversary in London, where the show remains the West End’s best-selling stage production.

A roaring success all round The Lion King has won over 70 theatre awards and has now been seen by over 70 million people across six continents.

Catch it in Southampton whilst you can!

The show runs at The Mayflower Theatre until September 6.