The Lyric Hammersmith has a capacity of 551 seats, including 305 seats in the Stalls, 117 seats in the Circle and 129 seats in the Upper Circle. Use our interactive seating plan to view 98 seat reviews and 56 photos of views from seat.
The Lyric Hammersmith first opened in 1895, designed by prolific theatre architect Frank Matcham as an intimate opera house. Originally built on another site, the Lyric Theatre threatened with demolition in 1966 to make way for a new shopping complex. After public outcry, it was decided that the theatre would be dismantled and rebuilt on its current site, along with a new contemporary black-box studio. In 1979 the new venue was opened by the Queen. In 2004, the theatre underwent major renovations at the hands of architect Rick Mather, creating a new ticket booth, café and rehearsal spaces. The Lyric Hammersmith has since been expanded in 2012 and 2015, with new rooms added, including the multi-facilitated Reuben Foundation Wing.
One of the UK’s leading producing theatres, the Lyric Hammersmith welcomes audiences in their thousands throughout the year. Hosting work by playwrights such as Harold Pinter, John Gielgud and Simon Stephens, the theatre is best-known for creating smash-hit productions that regularly transfer to the West End. Notable productions include Bugsy Malone, Shopping and F***ing, Ghost Stories and the Olivier Award-winning Blasted. With a seating capacity of above 550 in the main space, the main theatre is split across three levels; the Stalls, Circle and Upper Circle. Despite several renovations, the Lyric is a relatively traditional auditorium that reflects those in London’s West End. A variety of views and levels of comfort can be found throughout the theatre.
Sit anywhere in the theatre for a great overall view of the stage. Due to the intimacy and rake of the auditorium, cheap seats can be found towards the rear of the section, which still offer a great overall view of the stage. Sitting in the back row of the Circle can prove to be good value for money, whilst those looking to purchase tickets on a strict budget should choose the Upper Circle.
Premium seats are located primarily in the Stalls, particularly in the centre of the auditorium. Alternatively, sitting in the front of the Circle is a great option for large-scale musicals, as it gives you a panoramic view of the entire stage. Sitting in the Stalls guarantees a great overall view of the stage, due to the decent rake and proximity to the stage.
Despite being in the circle, this seat is neither than high nor that far away from the stage, ensuring you get an excellent view of the action- far enough back to take in the whole show whilst close enough to see facial expressions. It is a little to... More
Saw Things I Know to be True Things I Know to be True on 27 January 2018
The seats are quite comfortable here and the legroom is also reasonably good although maybe less as you're nearer to the end of a row. The view is pretty good though but you have to turn your head a bit to see everything. The stage is high enough tha... More
Saw Fantastic Mr Fox Fantastic Mr Fox on 19 August 2017
This row is on the flat and not raked. Although there is plenty of legroom, even a tall person could have their view partially obstructed by a tall person in the row in front. The rake only seems to start from row G behind. The stage is very high so ... More
Saw Terror Terror on 15 June 2017
