The visit co-incided with the announcement of six extra weeks of Melbourne shows.

Ensemble cast member Jabu Gambu said the performers were very excited at the announcement.

"It's good news. The show is always a great balance of work and fun," he said.

"We always look forward to going to work. It's sounds crazy but it's true."

The Lion King began its Melbourne run in February and audience have flocked to it.

"The best part is the audience. We always get different audiences," Mr Gambu said.

"A lot of people ask if we get bored doing the same thing over and over but no, we don't. It's always different."

Part of the performance involves the cast going through the audience to access the stage.

"Some days when you're walking down the aisle and getting close to the audience you can see the excitement in their faces," Mr Gambu said.

"That makes us do our best. That's the best feeling ever.

"The audience is always excited and never know what they're going to see, so it's always a good (reaction)."

The cast members performed at the ABC on  Thursday morning before taking a tour of Bendigo and surrounding regions.

"It's been fun getting to have a tour and see some new things," Mr Gambu said.

The Lion King also features Cameron Goodall, a former Rochester resident who was a founding member of rock band The Audreys.

Goodall, who was born in Bendigo and grew up in Rochester before his family settled in Adelaide, is playing king's adviser Zazu (a hornbill bird). Playing Zazu involves Cameron performing in elaborate make-up and costumes while continuously controlling a puppet of his character

"I've done a little (puppeteering) before but nothing like in the show," Goodall said.

"That has been one of the biggest challenges for me but it's very rewarding because there is so much in the detail, so many things you can craft into the puppet.

"To bring (Zazu) to life is the biggest challenge. If I stop animating him for the tiniest second, he doesn't come to life. It's a very joyful thing to do."

Tickets for the new shows at Melbourne’s Regent now go until October 4, are available now.

For more information or to book tickets phone Ticketmaster on 1300 111 011 or visit www.thelionking.com.au

**Please note: The Lion King is not performing in Bendigo. The Lion King shows at The Regent Theatre in Melbourne until October 4. The cast members in this story were visiting Bendigo to help promote the Melbourne shows.