With its ornate Renaissance design by architect C.J. Phipps, the Lyric has evolved from a venue for operettas to a stage for an eclectic mix of drama, comedy, and musicals. This historic theatre, the oldest surviving one on the Avenue, has witnessed countless legendary performances and remains a beacon of entertainment in the West End.
From the roaring success of Five Guys Named Mo to the timeless charm of By Jeeves, the emotional rollercoaster of Closer, and the sultry allure of Cabaret, the Lyric has staged it all. Who could forget the 13-year reign of Thriller Live! that moonwalked its way into the hearts of Michael Jackson fans until March 2020? And let’s not overlook Six the Musical, a modern retelling of Henry VIII’s wives that kept audiences enthralled until August 2021.
In 2005, Nica Burns and Max Weitzenhoffer brought new energy to the Lyric when they added it to their Nimax Theatres group. Since then, the theatre has continued to be a beacon of stellar performances, featuring legends like Laurence Olivier in The Royal Family and the original Blood Brothers by Willy Russell.
The Lyric offers an intimate experience with its 915-seat auditorium spread across four levels: Stalls, Dress Circle, Upper Circle, and Balcony. Despite the overhangs and tight legroom in some sections, every seat promises a glimpse into the magic on stage.
The Lyric’s history is as colourful as its productions. From its days of comic operas like The Chocolate Soldier to surviving a bomb hit during WWI (with whispers of a haunted usherette), this theatre has stories etched into its very walls. Notably, it even houses a vintage electric pump still operating its iron curtain.
Today, the Lyric continues to host groundbreaking shows like the West End premiere of Hadestown, solidifying its status as a staple of London’s vibrant theatre scene.
Details
- Address:
- Shaftesbury Avenue
- W1V 8ES
- Transport:
- Railway station: Charing Cross Bus numbers: (Shaftesbury Avenue) 12, 14, 19, 38; (Regent Street) 6, 13, 15, 23, 88, 94, 139, 159, 453