Lyceum Theatre
Lyceum Theatre accessibility information
Access phone number: 0800 912 6972
Access email address: [email protected]
Accessible toilets situated: Stalls
Number of Wheelchair spaces: Stalls x8
Sound amplification: Induction Loop & Sennheiser Infrared
Access from street to foyer: Stairs
Access from theatre foyer to seats (number = stairs): 32 to Royal Circle, 82 to Grand Circle
Level access: Stalls
Stair lift, lift or ramp available: Lift to Royal & Grand Circle
The Lyceum Theatre is owned or operated by ATG
What date did the Lyceum Theatre open?
14 July 1834
Who designed the Lyceum Theatre?
Samuel Beazley
What was the first production at the Lyceum Theatre?
John Barnett's opera The Mountain Sylph
The first theatre called the Lyceum was built on an adjacent site to the current venue in 1794. This theatre burnt down on 16 February 1830.
When the new theatre was built in 1834 it was initially called the New Theatre Royal, Lyceum and English Opera House. Designed by Samuel Beazley, the theatre opened on 14 July 1834 with a production of John Barnett’s opera The Mountain Sylph.
The theatre was long associated with the actor manager Sir Henry Irving and actress Ellen Terry, whose grand nephew was actor John Gielgud.
On 1 July 1939 the theatre closed down following a performance of Hamlet starring John Gielgud, and in 1945 the theatre was converted into a ballroom called the Lyceum Ballroom.
Incredibly, a proposed redevelopment of Covent Garden by the Greater London Council in 1968 saw the theatre under threat, together with some of London’s other most cherished venues, including the Vaudeville Theatre, Garrick Theatre, Adelphi Theatre and Duchess Theatre.
It was only an active campaign by Equity, the Musicians’ Union and The Society of West End Theatres and theatre owners – all under the ‘Save London Theatres’ campaign – that helped save the theatres, and for which we are forever grateful.
The Lyceum Theatre went dark in 1986, after the National Theatre’s promenade performances in 1985 of Bill Bryden’s adaptation of the Mysteries trilogy.
In 1996 the theatre was restored and reopened on 31 October 1996.
Past shows that have played at the Lyceum Theatre include:
Rob Brydon & His Fabulous Band: A Festive Night Of Songs & Laughter
Victoria Palace Theatre
Empress Museum
Sondheim Theatre
Aldwych Theatre
Playhouse Theatre (Kit Kat Club)
Lyceum Theatre