Lyric Theatre
London
A historic West End theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, presenting major musicals, plays and comedy in the heart of Soho.
Reviewed by Nandini J ·
Address29 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7ES, UK
Official websitethelyrictheatre.co.uk
About
The Lyric Theatre is a historic West End theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, close to Piccadilly Circus. Designed by C. J. Phipps and originally built for operetta, it is the oldest surviving theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue.
Today the venue presents a broad programme of plays, musicals and comedy. Its ornate late-Victorian setting and central Soho location give it a distinct character within the West End.
Access
Wheelchair access is through the Shaftesbury Avenue entrance to the street-level Dress Circle boxes. Spaces are available in Boxes C, D and E; report to the main entrance so a member of staff can accompany you to the accessible entrance. A fully adapted unisex toilet is on the Dress Circle level.
Other parts of the auditorium are reached by stairs: the Stalls are 24 steps down, the Upper Circle 25 steps up and the Balcony 60 steps up. Bars are available on each level, but wheelchair users may need staff assistance with purchases.
The theatre has a Sennheiser radio-frequency assisted-hearing system. Assistance dogs are welcome, and dog sitting can be arranged in advance. Contact the access team before booking to confirm the most suitable seating and support. See the official access information.
Getting there
The Lyric Theatre is on Shaftesbury Avenue, close to Piccadilly Circus station on the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines. Allow extra time at busy periods and follow local signs from the station.
The theatre lists Q-Park Chinatown on Newport Place for drivers. Blue Badge holders should check Westminster's current parking guidance and the car park's accessibility information before travelling.
Wheelchair users should report to the main entrance, where staff can guide them to the accessible Shaftesbury Avenue entrance. Use TfL's live journey planner for station accessibility, bus services and late-evening travel.
History
The Lyric Theatre opened in December 1888. Designed by C. J. Phipps and built for operetta, it is the oldest surviving theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue.
Its later programme has included drama, comedy and musicals. Notable productions recorded by the theatre include Five Guys Named Mo, By Jeeves, Closer, Cabaret and Thriller Live!, which ran from January 2009 to March 2020. The Lyric became part of Nimax Theatres in 2005.
Before you go
Allow enough time to arrive, collect any tickets and find your seats. Door-opening and late-entry arrangements can vary by production, so check the show information before travelling.
Bars are available on each auditorium level, and programmes and ice creams are sold in the main foyer and auditorium. There is no level access to the bars for wheelchair users, but staff can help with purchases.
Bag, cloakroom, photography, age and readmission rules may differ by production. Check the official visitor information shortly before your visit for current guidance.
Nearby guides
- Where to eat and drink near Lyric Theatre
A practical guide to nearby restaurants, pubs, cocktail bars and later-night options for before or after a performance at the Lyric Theatre.
- Where to stay near Lyric Theatre
A practical guide to hotels near the Lyric Theatre, from quiet, sleep-focused rooms and compact central stays to boutique and full-service options.
Related reading
- Hadestown Character Guide: Gods, Mortals and the Relationships Between Them
Hadestown’s characters form a web of love, power and survival rather than a straightforward good-versus-evil myth. This spoiler-aware guide explores how Orpheus, Eurydice, Hades, Persephone, Hermes, the Fates and the Workers reveal what the musical means by hope.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Lyric Theatre situated?
Where is the Lyric Theatre situated?
It is on Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End, near Piccadilly Circus; the venue lists Piccadilly Circus as a nearby Tube station.
What kind of work is the Lyric Theatre known for?
What kind of work is the Lyric Theatre known for?
The theatre describes its range as drama, comedy and musicals; its programme page also characterises the offer as plays, musicals and comedies.
What is distinctive about the Lyric Theatre’s building?
What is distinctive about the Lyric Theatre’s building?
The official About page identifies C. J. Phipps as the architect and says the building was originally built for operetta.
Where are the wheelchair spaces at the Lyric Theatre?
Where are the wheelchair spaces at the Lyric Theatre?
They are in the street-level Dress Circle Boxes, specifically Boxes C, D and E. Wheelchair users should report to the main entrance so staff can accompany them to the wheelchair entrance on Shaftesbury Avenue.
Does the Lyric Theatre have an accessible toilet and hearing assistance?
Does the Lyric Theatre have an accessible toilet and hearing assistance?
Yes. There is a fully adapted unisex toilet in the Dress Circle, and the theatre has a Sennheiser radio-frequency assisted-hearing system. Headsets are available first come, first served.
Are assistance dogs allowed at the Lyric Theatre?
Are assistance dogs allowed at the Lyric Theatre?
Yes. Assistance dogs are welcome. The venue recommends an end-of-row seat for comfort and offers dog sitting for two dogs at a time, with advance booking recommended.
How do I discuss access requirements with the Lyric Theatre?
How do I discuss access requirements with the Lyric Theatre?
Contact the access team on 0330 333 4815 or at access@nimaxtheatres.com. The venue advises visitors to discuss specific access requirements with the team.
Which Tube station serves the Lyric Theatre?
Which Tube station serves the Lyric Theatre?
The venue’s travel information names Piccadilly Circus, served by the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines.
Where does the venue direct drivers to park?
Where does the venue direct drivers to park?
It points visitors to Q-Park Chinatown at Newport Place, West End, London WC2H 7PU, and directs people seeking disabled-parking information to Westminster Blue Badge information and the Q-Park Society of London Theatre page.
How should wheelchair users reach the theatre entrance?
How should wheelchair users reach the theatre entrance?
Wheelchair users should report to the main entrance; venue staff will accompany them to the wheelchair-access entrance on Shaftesbury Avenue. The wheelchair access is at street level in the Dress Circle Boxes.
When did the Lyric Theatre open?
When did the Lyric Theatre open?
The theatre opened in December 1888.
Who designed the Lyric Theatre?
Who designed the Lyric Theatre?
It was designed by the architect C J Phipps.
Who bought the Lyric Theatre in 2005?
Who bought the Lyric Theatre in 2005?
Nica Burns and Max Weitzenhoffer purchased the theatre in 2005, forming part of the Nimax Theatres group.
What long-running production is highlighted in the theatre’s history?
What long-running production is highlighted in the theatre’s history?
The history page records Thriller Live! as running at the Lyric from January 2009 until March 2020.
Where can I get drinks and refreshments at the Lyric Theatre?
Where can I get drinks and refreshments at the Lyric Theatre?
The theatre says its bars are on all levels. Programmes and ice creams are available in the main foyer and auditorium. Drinks and confectionery can be ordered through the Nimax Theatres app on the day and collected at a chosen time.
What are the Lyric Theatre’s box-office hours on performance days?
What are the Lyric Theatre’s box-office hours on performance days?
The official visit page lists the box office as open from 12pm to 8pm on performance days; it does not give a standard auditorium-door opening time.
Is hand sanitiser available at the Lyric Theatre?
Is hand sanitiser available at the Lyric Theatre?
Yes. The venue asks visitors to use sanitiser on entry and says that additional points are located throughout the building.