The Lion King sets West End record for ticket sales

There are now 17 productions of the musical around the world, adapted from the animated film

The Lion King musical has set a record for the highest takings in West End history for the second year in a row.

The Disney production earned more than £34m in 2010, a greater sum than any other show had over a 12-month period.

It broke its own record for a London show, which it set in 2009 by generating £32m in takings.

It had a total audience of more than 820,000 last year and has sold more than nine million tickets in its 11 years at the Lyceum Theatre.

Around the world there are now 17 productions of the musical.

It is based on the animated film about the adventures of lion cub Simba as he grows into his role as the king.