LIVERPOOL Empire Theatre's staging of Disney's award-winning musical The Lion King has been hailed a roaring success - breaking box office records for the first time in more than a decade.

By the time its seven-week run ends on Saturday the show will have been seen by 130,000 people over 62 performances and has generated more than £6.8M for the city’s economy.

The stage adaption of Disney's classic film is the largest touring theatre production in UK history and has been watche by one and a half million people so far during its UK tour.

The Liverpool season attracted visitors from every corner of the Globe, including as far afield as Switzerland, the USA and Australia.

Liverpool Empire's general manager, Diane Belding said: "We are delighted to have played host to the biggest show in the world during its visit to Liverpool.

"The whole city, and beyond, has really engaged with The Lion King during its run here and to see thousands of happy faces leaving the theatre after every performance has been truly magical."

The touring production now moves on to Southampton for an eight-week season at the Mayflower Theatre.

Meanwhile, the acclaimed West End production continues to play at London’s Lyceum Theatre, where it is now in its 15th triumphant year.