NICK Afoa will be joining the touring production of Disney smash hit The Lion King, which is set to enjoy a six week run in Southampton this autumn, as Simba.

The actor is currently starring in the role in London’s West End, where he has performed as Simba for three years after making his stage debut in the Australian production of The Lion King in 2013.

The New Zealand-born performer had a promising rugby career with the All Blacks until he was sidelined by injury. After recovering and dedicating himself to his theatre career, nearly a decade later the 30 year-old beat 400 other hopefuls to the role of Simba in the Australian production.

He is currently in rehearsal with the touring cast and will appear in the production at Mayflower Theatre from September 3 to October 10.

With a cast of more than 50 actors, singers and dancers, the story of The Lion King is miraculously brought to life using masks, puppets and striking costumes to tell the story of Simba's epic adventures as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and becoming king.

The original score from the animated film was expanded for the stage and now features 15 musical numbers. As well as writing completely new songs, South African composer Lebo M created an evocative blend of African rhythms and chorales, with additional material by Julie Taymor and Mark Mancina.

Elton John and Tim Rice have added three new numbers to the five that they wrote for the award-winning score of the animated film. The resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, including the Academy Award-winning Can You Feel The Love Tonight and the haunting Shadowland.

Tickets: 023 8071 1811 or mayflower.org.uk