Lyceum Theatre London West End

Throughout its history, dating back to 1772, when the Society of Arts founded ' a Room for Exhibitions and Concerts' near the current site, the Lyceum has displayed a chameleon tendency, adapting to changing fashions and needs. Originally the theatre housed a wide range of entertainment, including a hot air balloon display, an animal circus and fireworks. In 1802 Madame Tussaud's first exhibition of waxworks was held here. The theatre became a temporary refuge for the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane whose building had burned down. After the Lyceum suffered a similar fate in 1830, architect Samuel Beazley designed the new building and his magnificent portico still stands today. In 1834 the Lyceum's output was hampered by restrictions prohibiting so-called minor theatres from staging drama without a musical interlude, a throwback to the early days following Charles II's restoration. When the 1834 Licensing Act removed these frustrating impediments, the theatre could present Shakespeare and the classics. A series of successful extravaganzas were staged, but it was not until 1878 that the Lyceum took its first real steps towards greatness. It was in this year that Henry Irving took over the lease and Ellen Terry became his leading lady. This famous partnership had the two dubbed ' Lord and Lady of the Lyceum'. Sadly in 1898 failing health forced Irving to relinquish control of the theatre, ending a scintillating era. When no buyer could be found, in 1904 it was decided to demolish and rebuild the theatre. Bertie Crew designed the new building, which was initially used for music hall. From 1909-38 the Melville Brothers ran a successful series of spectacular melodramas and in 1934 Princesses Margaret and Elizabeth saw their first pantomime here. But by 1939 the new owners, London City Council, wanted to replace the theatre with a traffic roundabout. Ellen Terry's great nephew John Gielgud brought the wheel full circle with 6 farewell performances of Hamlet, proclaiming " Long live the Lyceum!" The triumphal declaration seemed optimistic until the war intervened and demolition plans were shelved. In 1945 Mecca Ballrooms acquired the lease and today's raked auditorium was then a large dance floor.

By 1986 the Lyceum was again empty but less than a decade later this sad decline was arrested. Apollo Leisure stepped in to the rescue in 1994, securing permission to restore the theatre to its former glory. Today, the theatre boasts state of the art facilities and an opulent red and gold auditorium. With Jesus Christ Superstar and now The Lion King taking up residence, it seems the 'Lyceum roar' will once again echo in this celebrated theatre.

Lyceum Theatre

LYCEUM THEATRE LONDON

21 Wellington Street
London, WC2E 7RQ

Lyceum Theatre – Seating Plan

Cheap London Theatre Tickets

Lyceum Theatre

LYCEUM THEATRE LONDON

21 Wellington Street London, WC2E 7RQ

Lyceum Theatre – Seating Plan

Cheap London Theatre Tickets

21 Wellington Street
London, WC2E 7RQ