Lyric Theatre
Venue Information
- How to book (Phone)
- 0330 333 4815
- [email protected]
- Guide dogs
- Guide dogs are welcome in the auditorium, although we recommend an end of row or box seat for their comfort. Staff available to dog-sit. We can take 2 dogs at any one time and advance booking is recommended.
- Wheelchairs
- Situated in boxes C, D and E. Boxes can accommodate up to 3 persons. Wheelchair user access is located in the Dress Circle Boxes, which are at street level. Please report to the main entrance on arrival and a member of staff will accompany you to the wheelchair access entrance on Shaftesbury Avenue.
- Audio description
- Access to the Box Office is by three foyer width steps and one small step at the main doors with handrails on either side. There are no steps between the ticketing entrance and the Dress Circle doors. Inside the Dress Circle level there are 5 steps leading to seats. There are 32 (26 from level access entrance) steps leading down into the Stalls level. All steps inside the auditorium are highlighted.
- Street to foyer
- Ramp
- Foyer to seat
- 23 to Stalls, 25 to Upper Circle, 60 to Balcony
- Level access
- To boxes C-E in Dress Circle
- Bars
- The theatre bars are located on all levels. There is no level access to the bars for wheelchair users; a member of theatre staff will offer assistance purchasing beverages on behalf of customers. Drinks in plastic cups or bottles may be taken into the auditorium. Stalls bar 11 steps down from Stalls (spacious with 14 seats). Further bars at Upper Circle and Balcony levels. Royal Entrance reception area (4 seats and adapted toilet) available pre-show and interval (check for prebookings).
- Toilets
- Male and female toilets available on every level. Accessible toilet in the Dress Circle.
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Yes
- Accepts Theatre Tokens
- Yes
The oldest theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, the Lyric Theatre opened in 1888. Located near Piccadilly Circus underground station, the beautiful Renaissance design of this theatre was conceived by C.J. Phipps. This Grade II listed theatre is owned – and run – by Nimax Theatres.
Originally built as a venue for operetta, the theatre opened with a transfer of the comic opera, Dorothy. After hosting several comic operas, from 1916-1930 the venue presented operas and plays. In 1933, the theatre was refurbished and reopened with a production of George S Kaufman’s Royal Family, starring Sir Laurence Olivier and directed by Noël Coward.
Prince Littler took over ownership of the theatre in 1943 and presented a season of comedies. Later years saw the theatre stage hit musicals such as Blood Brothers, Gigi and Cameron Mackintosh’s five-star production of Five Guys Named Moe, which ran for five years. In 2000, Really Useful Group took ownership of the venue, hosting several Bill Kenwright productions, until the theatre was purchased by Nimax in 2005.
The Lyric has presented a variety of entertainment over the years but is best known for hosting musicals and classic plays. With a Renaissance designed auditorium, the theatre has a capacity of 967 seats. Thriller Live has been playing at the theatre since 2009, closing in 2020. The theatre has also hosted limited performances of shows including Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, and children’s shows such as What The Ladybird Heard and The Gruffalo’s Child.