Lyric Theatre
Book Thriller Live at the Lyric Theatre
Theatre build date:
1888
History:
The Lyric Theatre was built in 1888, and was the second theatre after the original Shaftesbury Theatre (not to be confused with the current Shaftesbury theatre; a fire station now stands on the site of the original) to be built with its frontage on the then newly constructed Shaftesbury Avenue. The theatre was commissioned by producer Henry J. Leslie and built using the profits from his phenomenally successful staging of the musical comedy Dorothy at the Prince of Wales Theatre.
Upon the Lyric Theatre’s completion in 1888, Dorothy transferred there, becoming the theatre’s first ever production and finishing its record breaking run of 931 performances. A versatile theatre with a large stage, the Lyric has played host to a variety of dramatic plays and musical productions.
Notable shows at the Lyric have included the spectacular The Little Hut (1950-1955), Five Guys Named Moe (1990-1995) and Blood Brothers which made its first West End appearance at the Lyric in 1983.
Hauntings:
The front of house areas of the Lyric Theatre are reportedly haunted by Nellie Klute, a programme seller murdered in the early twentieth century.
Previously showing:
Grumpy Old Women (2006)
Smaller (2006)
The Night of the Iguana (2005)
Death of a Salesman (2005)
Festen (2004)
Beautiful and Damned (2004)
The Secret Rapture (2003)
Close to:
Piccadilly Circus
The Trocadero
Contact Details
Lyric Theatre
Shaftesbury Avenue
W1V 7HA
For all ticket enquiries, call:
0871 789 1004
Map
Facilities
Theatre capacity:
967
Stage door location:
The Lyric Theatre’s stage door is situated to the rear of the theatre on Great Windmill Street.
Theatre layout:
In a four tier arrangement, the Lyric theatre’s auditorium is rather narrow, so curvature affects views in all areas. The stalls offer clear views throughout, with slight sideline views affecting the very end seats in rows E to G. Overhang and badly placed pillars also cause slight obstruction in the last three rows (P-R). Curvature in the Dress Circle again affects the view from the very ends seats of all rows, and again, the last three rows (F-H) are affected by overhang and pillars. The central section offers clear, unobstructed views.
The Upper Circle is great for a bargain night out. Although the best views are available in the centre section from rows B-D, the seats to the sides still offer great value for money. The last three rows (E-G are obstructed by pillars. The balcony also offers great value for money. The front row suffers from poor visibility and limited legroom but there are no pillars and of course, no overhang.
Air conditioned:
Yes
