Lyceum Theatre
Venue Information
- How to book (Phone)
- 0333 009 5399
- [email protected]
- Guide dogs
- Guide Dogs are welcome in the auditorium or can alternatively be left in the care of theatre staff. If you intend to bring a guide dog, please state so at the time of booking
- Wheelchairs
- 8 x Wheelchair spaces available in the Stalls. Please be aware, not all of these spaces can accommodate wheelchairs above a certain size – please provide measurements of chairs and scooters at time of booking to enable Box Office Staff to advise you. The wheelchair accessible entrance is via a double EXIT door situated at the front of the theatre on Wellington Street, to the left of the five main doors
- Sound amplification
- Induction Loop & Sennheiser Infrared
- Audio description
- A low level doorbell is provide at the booking office for patron's with access needs. There is a level access door next to The Wellington Pub, please contact a member of staff if you wich to come through this doow as it it not manned. All other entrances to the theatre have some steps. The entrance to the Grand Circle has 82 steps and is not reccomended for those with limited mobility. A lift is available for patrons sitting in the low numbered seating in the Royal or Grand Circles. Please contact a member of staff if you wish to make use of this facility. The theatre will open no more than 45 minutes before the performance starts. All patrons must be seated 5 minutes before the performance starts.
- Street to foyer
- Steps. The wheelchair accessible entrance is via a double EXIT door situated at the front of the theatre on Wellington Street, to the left of the five main doors
- Foyer to seat
- 32 steps to Royal Circle and 82 to Grand Circle
- Level access
- Stalls
- Lift / stair lift / ramp
- Lift to Royal Circle & Grand Circle
- Bars
- Licensed bars. Drinks can be brought to disabled customers in auditorium. Further bars at Royal and Grand Circle levels - no seats. Merchandise kiosk in Stalls and upper foyer.
- Toilets
- Men and Womens throughout. Two Accessible Toilets are situated just inside the Level Access entrance on the way to the Stalls
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Yes
- Accepts Theatre Tokens
- Yes
The Lyceum Theatre has a long and complex tale of success, downfall and rebirth. It all started in 1772 when the Society of Arts founded a room for exhibitions and concerts near the site of the current building. Since this beginning the Lyceum has displayed a chameleon tendency, adapting to changing fashions and needs admirably.
In 1809 a fire brought down the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane so its company moved to the Lyceum, enabling the theatre to obtain a proper licence from the Lord Chamberlain for the presentation of plays. Theatrical brilliance began. In 1815 the Lyceum was completely rebuilt by the design of Samuel Beazley. Then, misfortune struck again – in 1830 the Lyceum and a large section of Exeter Street burnt down. Another version of the Theatre was built and re-opened in 1834. The Lyceum became the first theatre in England to incorporate a balcony which projected over the circle.
This building lasted only seventy years. During that time Henry Irving, an acclaimed actor, took over and turned the venue into the most brilliant playhouse in London. However, fire struck again (!) and Irving’s assets were destroyed. A new purchaser couldn’t be found so the building was to be demolished and re-built once again. Irving died in 1905 and never entered the new building, which was re-opened in 1907. Finally this now brings us to the current building.
Despite numerous challenges the Lyceum Theatre In 1996, after ten years of vacancy and decline, the Lyceum saw its sixth reincarnation. It was Apollo Leisure who stepped in and secured permission to return it to its former glory. Investing over £14 million, the building was refurbished and re-opened by HRH Prince Charles on 31st October 1996, with Jesus Christ Superstar. Business continues to flourish as The Lyceum, now owned by The Ambassador Theatre Group, stages Disney’s production The Lion King.