From Stage to Showcase: The Story Behind Our Bespoke Mannequin for Disney’s the Lion King
- MC Displays
- May 20
- 2 min read
Updated: May 22
When the team behind Disney's The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre approached us, we knew this was no ordinary mannequin request. This was a chance to bring the magic of the stage into the physical world, capturing the spirit, energy, and artistry of one of the most iconic productions in the West End.
Our mission? To create a bespoke mannequin that would faithfully represent a performer from The Lion King, adorned in full costume and on display at the Lyceum Theatre. Every element, from body shape to posture to finishing touches—needed to reflect the detail and personality of the show’s breath-taking performances.
We began with a close collaboration between our design team and the production’s costume and creative departments. Using reference images and performance videos, we developed a sculptural form that echoed the performer’s stage presence. Our artisans paid close attention to posture, balance, and anatomical accuracy to ensure the mannequin didn’t just stand, it told a story.
The costume itself added a whole new layer of complexity. Crafted from wood, it was not only visually stunning but also structurally demanding. This meant the measurements and finish of the mannequin had to be precise in order to support the costume correctly. Every curve, angle, and surface were tailored to ensure the wooden elements sat perfectly, maintaining the integrity of the design while also preserving the performer’s original look.
At MC Displays, we believe in the power of storytelling through form. Whether it’s for retail, exhibition or theatre, our bespoke mannequin work is about more than function. It’s about emotion, identity, and experience.
The Lion King mannequin now stands proudly at the Lyceum Theatre, capturing the essence of the production and inviting audiences to experience its artistry up close.
We're proud to have been part of this journey and we can’t wait to bring more characters to life in the future!
