Lyric Theatre

Lyric Theatre is a London theatre venue featured on British Theatre. Explore upcoming shows

practical venue guidance

and ticket-booking insights before your visit.

The Lyric Theatre opened on 17 December 1888 on Shaftesbury Avenue (where it is currently oldest theatre on the street). It was originally built for Henry J Leslie as a home for operettas

but over the years has become more associated with straight dramas

comedies

and musicals. Whilst the theatre retains a lot of its original features (including the 1767 house front it was built behind)

it refurbished the foyer and bars in 1932-33

and the façade was restored in 1994. One of the theatres most successful productions was 1950s The Little Hut

which ran for 1

261 performances. Tragedy struck during a production of Loot in 1984

when Leonard Rossiter suddenly passed away due to heart troubles whilst waiting to go onstage. The Really Useful Group purchased the Lyric in 2000.

Tiger Who Came To Tea (2014)
Eddie Izzard: Stripped (2008)
The Night of the Iguana, Smaller, Grumpy Old Woman, Cabaret (2006)
Death of a Salesman (2005)
Beautiful and Damned (2004)
The Constant Wife (2002)
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (2001)
Brief Encounter (2000)
And Ideal Husband (1998)
Ain’t Misbehavin’ (1995)
Five Guys Named Moe (1990)
Steel Magnolias (1989)
Loot (1984)

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS:

Wheelchair spaces and transfer seats available.

Are there adapted toilets?

An adapted toilet is available in the Royal entrance.

ASSISTED PERFORMANCES:Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?

There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium (8 headsets)

Are guide dogs and/or hearing dogs permitted?

Access dogs are allowed in the boxes, but not in the auditorium. Staff available to dog sit.

Please contact the theatre directly for further information.