Lyceum Theatre London
Lyceum Theatre Tickets
About the Lyceum Theatre
The Lyceum Theatre has a history dating back to 1765, when it was situated in a building adjacent to its current site. It hosted music, dance and other entertainments. Philip Astley's circus became resident there for a while and the first waxworks exhibition by Madam Tussaud was hosted there in 1802. The theatre moved to its present site in 1834 and has had many refurbishments since.
Legendary actor Sir Henry Irving appeared in many Shakespeare productions in the latter half of the 19th Century. Bram Stoker worked at the theatre at the time and it is said that Henry Irving was Stoker's inspiration for the character of Count Dracula.
In the 20th Century, many large bands played gigs at The Lyceum Theatre, including The Clash, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Led Zeppelin and Queen. Later in the century the venue hosted several large musicals including Jesus Christ Superstar and Oklahoma!. In 1999 the Lyceum became the home of Disney's The Lion King, which broke new ground for stage adaptations of animated films and remains a West End favourite.
Plan Your Visit
The main theatre opens an hour before performances when patrons can collect pre-booked tickets, relax in the bars or purchase merchandise and confectionery. The Ballroom bar opens an hour and a half before shows, giving ticket holders a comfortable place to relax and grab a drink.
The Lyceum Theatre does not have a dress code, although patrons are reminded that it is best to dress both comfortably and sensibly.
The Lyceum Theatre has an ‘air-cooling’ system designed to stop the theatre from getting too hot in warmer months.
The Lyceum Theatre has a cloakroom for patrons who want to check in large coats for the duration of the performance. It opens one hour before performances. Please note it cannot accept any other items such as rucksacks, bags or pushchairs. If you have large items to store, it is recommended to use the left luggage facility at the nearby Charing Cross Station.
Bags are checked upon arrival. As such it is recommended that you do not bring large rucksacks, suitcases and other bags, as well as arriving with enough time to pass through security, particularly with family groups.
All adults and children entering the theatre must have a ticket. Children under 3 years old are not allowed to enter the Lyceum Theatre, and shows are generally recommended for those aged 6 and above. All minors aged 16 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult and seated together.
Booster seats are available for children at the Lyceum Theatre, but are given out on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to avoid disappointment. Please ask an usher to assist you if you require one.
Bars are available on each level of the venue, serving soft and alcoholic drinks as well as a range of snacks. Drinks can be taken into the auditorium, just be sure to ask for a plastic cup for them. The main bar in the Lyceum Theatre is called the Ballroom Bar and opens an hour and a half before performances for ticket holders. The theatre also has confectionery and merchandise stands.
For the full theatrical experience, the nearby Joe Allen theatre restaurant is a much-loved New York style eatery, often offering live music. Those wanting a high-end dinner might want to try the famous Savoy Grill, while Frankie and Benny’s or Pizza Express are fantastic choices for families.
The nearby Savoy Hotel and One Aldwych Hotels are world renowned, being perfect to add an edge of luxury to your West End visit. As the Strand is one of London’s priciest areas, those on a budget are recommended to look for hotels slightly further away and make use of the quick and easy transport links.
The Lyceum Theatre officially opened on 14 July 1834, however a licensed theatre had existed on the same site since 1809. The building itself has been rebuilt and renovated many times, most recently in 1996.
Help Booking Tickets
Patrons can collect pre-ordered tickets at the Lyceum Theatre box office, at the front of the venue, from one hour before the show is scheduled to start. Please bring your confirmation email and ID to ensure the process is as easy as possible and it is recommended to arrive early to avoid queues.
The Lyceum Theatre box office is open from 10am to 6pm on Mondays, 10am to 8pm on Tuesday to Saturday and 11am to 3pm on Sundays, where tickets can be purchased in person for future shows. From one hour before performances, pre-booked ticket holders are able to collect these from the box office.
You can get in contact with the Lyceum Theatre box office directly on 03330 096 690, with calls being charged at standard geographic rates.
STAR (Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers) is the industry body that regulates the sale of London theatre tickets, including the Lyceum Theatre. When booking from a company you can check the STAR ticket seller database to see if they are registered and conforming to STAR practices. When buying online, you should also check for the padlock in your browser URL bar to ensure the connection is secure.
The Lyceum Theatre can be hired as a whole, or in part, during daytimes and on days without performances. For any enquiries or full details or bars, rooms and facilities, please call the events team on 020 7534 6173.
