Lyric Theatre

Situated on London’s iconic Shaftesbury Avenue, the Lyric Theatre is the oldest surviving venue on the street, with a rich heritage dating back to 1888. Designed by prolific theatre architect C.J. Phipps, the Lyric Theatre was commissioned by Henry Leslie following the huge success of his comic opera Dorothy. That same show launched the theatre’s opening night and cemented its early reputation for musical theatre.

Today, the Lyric Theatre London remains a treasured part of the West End landscape. With a capacity of 915 seats spread across four levels, the venue offers an intimate yet grand experience for audiences. The Lyric Theatre has hosted everything from classic plays to global musical hits, and continues to attract major productions and renowned performers, ensuring its place as one of the capital’s most-loved theatrical spaces. Hadestown has been playing at the Lyric Theatre since February 2024.

The History of the Lyric Theatre

The Lyric Theatre has seen more than a century of celebrated performances and dramatic reinventions. Over its first four decades, it gained popularity through comic operas such as The Mountebanks and Lilac Time, and would later feature plays by Shakespeare, Noël Coward and George Bernard Shaw. Legendary stars like Ellen Terry, Tallulah Bankhead, Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh have graced its stage. Built around the remnants of Sir William Hunter’s 18th-century museum, the theatre is steeped in fascinating history. Despite damage during WWI — including a bomb strike said to have left the venue haunted — the Lyric has always bounced back. Its ornate bars were refurbished in the 1930s, its façade restored in the 1990s, and it remains the only West End theatre still operating an iron curtain powered by an original hydraulic pump.

Where is the Lyric Theatre?

The Lyric Theatre is located at 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ES, in the heart of the West End. The theatre is easy to reach whether you're walking from nearby Soho, Covent Garden or Leicester Square, or arriving via public transport. Situated among some of London’s most recognisable landmarks, it’s surrounded by shops, restaurants and nightlife — perfect for pre- or post-show plans.

Lyric Theatre Nearest Tube

The Lyric Theatre’s nearest tube stations are Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines) and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines). From Piccadilly Circus, it’s just a two-minute walk: exit onto Shaftesbury Avenue and head east. From Leicester Square, the walk is under 10 minutes via Charing Cross Road and then west along Shaftesbury Avenue.

Lyric Theatre Nearest Train Station

The closest mainline train station to the Lyric Theatre is Charing Cross. From there, it’s around a 12-minute walk via Strand and then north through Leicester Square. Alternatively, you can take the Bakerloo line one stop from Charing Cross to Piccadilly Circus for a quicker route.

Buses to Lyric Theatre

Day buses stopping near the Lyric Theatre include the 14, 19, 38, and 176, which serve Shaftesbury Avenue. Night bus routes include the N5, N19, N20, and N38. The nearest bus stops are located right outside or just a short walk away. From these stops, the theatre is within a two-minute walk, with plenty of visible signage and foot traffic to guide you.

Lyric Theatre Accessibility

The Lyric Theatre offers step-free access to the Dress Circle via a street-level entrance on Shaftesbury Avenue. Accessible toilets are available, and there are spaces for wheelchair users in the Dress Circle. Patrons with access needs are encouraged to contact the venue in advance to ensure the best experience.

Lyric Theatre Safety Policy

The Lyric Theatre operates routine security measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for all guests. Bag checks are in place upon entry, so it’s recommended to arrive a little early to allow time for this. Large bags and suitcases are not permitted inside the auditorium and may need to be stored off-site. Trained staff are on hand to assist with crowd management and emergency procedures, and CCTV is in operation throughout the venue for added security.

Lyric Theatre Dress Code

There is no formal dress code at the Lyric Theatre, and smart-casual attire is the norm. Whether you’re coming straight from work or dressed up for a special night out, you’ll be welcomed. Comfort is always key. Take a look at our guide to dressing for the theatre for more information. 

Lyric Theatre Notable Productions

The Lyric Theatre opened its doors on 17 December 1888 and has since become a long-standing home for both plays and musicals in the West End. In the 20th century, standout productions included The Royal Family starring Laurence Olivier and the original West End staging of Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers.

In more recent years, the Lyric Theatre became synonymous with Thriller Live, a Michael Jackson tribute concert that ran for an incredible 13 years. The spotlight then shifted to another music legend with Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Story. Since 2005, the Lyric Theatre has been owned and operated by Nimax Theatres, continuing its legacy of hosting high-profile and much-loved productions.