BRISTOL has been given a glimpse of some of the spectacular scenes which will be on show at Bristol Hippodrome when the hit musical The Lion King opens there before starting a British tour.

The award-winning show has been seen by more than 65 million people worldwide since its Broadway premiere in 1997 and will soon welcome its 10 millionth visitor at the Lyceum Theatre in London.

It will open at the Bristol Hippodrome on September 6, with previews from August 31.

But the cast and crew will move to Bristol in early July to prepare for the 11-week run.

Producer Thomas Schumacher said: "We continue to be thrilled by how UK audiences have enjoyed The Lion King in London, and have long wished to also share this production with audiences nationally.

"Following years of planning, and after receiving the counsel of some very smart friends in the British theatre world, we are delighted to be launching a production that conveys Julie Taymor's epic vision and at a moment that feels absolutely right."

Disney's The Lion King, based on the animated film of the same name, tells the tale of Simba, the young lion cub, as he journeys through life and struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role of king.

The multi-award winning musical has now played in 15 countries on five continents and been translated into six languages.

The West End production of the musical, now in its 13th year, will continue to play at London's Lyceum Theatre.

Last year, the musical had its best financial year, smashing the industry record for the highest annual gross box office in the West End.

Click here to see a gallery of pictures from the launch of The Lion King at the Arnolfini, Bristol