Lyric Theatre London
Lyric Theatre Tickets
What’s On at Lyric Theatre
Take a trip to the Underworld with Hadestown West End at the Lyric Theatre - this traditional London venue is the place to see one of the 21st-century's most unique musicals. Anais Mitchell’s Olivier Award-winning show, inspired by Greek mythology, opens in an industrial landscape where life is hard and young Eurydice's dreams of escape are manipulated by the King of the Underworld, Hades. Folk and jazz-inspired songs make this a hauntingly beautiful live experience that mixes the grandeur of classic musical theatre with the edge and innovation of contemporary creatives.
The Lyric has been the home of many successful musicals in recent years, and also shows seasonal children’s shows from writers including Julia Donaldson over the summer holidays and Christmas.
About the Lyric Theatre
The Lyric Theatre is the oldest surviving theatre on the famous Shaftesbury Avenue. The Grade II listed building was designed by the architect C. J. Phipps in an ornate Renaissance design. The theatre opened in 1888, a decade which saw a London theatre building boom with 12 new theatres being built. The first production at the Lyric was a transfer of the light comic opera Dorothy , which was already a hit at the nearby Prince of Wales Theatre and helped to finance the building of the Lyric.
Over the years many successful musicals and plays have been staged at the Lyric Theatre, including Alan Ayckbourn's How the Other Half Loves in 1970, the London premiere of the musical Blood Brothers in 1983, and a 2007 revival of Cabaret starring James Dreyfuss and Julian Clary.
The theatre was the home of the hugely successful Michael Jackson tribute show Thriller Live , which despite being panned by critics played at the Lyric for over 10 years before closing in early 2020. The show became one of the longest-running productions in West End history, playing over 4,500 performances.
The Lyric Theatre is one of two major venues in London with this name; the other, Lyric Hammersmith , is located in Hammersmith in West London and produces a wide range of shows - many of which transfer to the West End or on tour. The venue is owned by Nimax Theatres.
Map and Address
29 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES
Rail: Charing Cross station is around a 10-minute walk away from the Lyric Theatre, either via Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square or via Haymarket.
Tube: The closest tube station to the Lyric is Piccadilly Circus, a 2-minute walk up Shaftesbury Avenue. Piccadilly Circus is served by the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines. Leicester Square, on the Northern and Piccadilly lines, is around a 5-minute walk away, or Tottenham Court Road on the Central, Elizabeth, and Northern lines is an easy 10-minute walk away, either through Soho or via Charing Cross Road.
Bus: Shaftesbury Avenue is well served by buses. Routes 14, 19, and 38 all stop at the nearby Trocadero/Haymarket stops. Routes 9, 12, 23, 88, 94, 139, 159, and 453 all stop close by, within a few minutes' walk of the theatre along Regent Street and Piccadilly.
Car: There are several car parks nearby; Q Park Leicester Square and Chinatown are both around a 5-minute walk away, and Leicester Square is a 10-minute walk away. There is also the NCP London Soho in Brewer Street, less than 5 minutes away, behind the theatre. There is very limited Blue Badge parking in the area, but Blue Badge owners can park in the above car parks. Drop-offs are possible on Shaftesbury Avenue and just around the corner on Rupert Street.
Nearby Attractions
The Lyric Theatre is in the heart of Theatreland. Nearby Piccadilly Circus is a hub for Regent Street and Piccadilly, which, along with nearby Oxford Street, are home to some of the world’s best shopping, with many flagship stores for worldwide brands and London staples such as Hatchards and Fortnum and Mason.
If you’re looking for something cultural to extend your visit, the Royal Academy of Arts (home of the Summer Exhibition) and The Photographers’ Gallery are within a 10-minute walk away, and there is no shortage of restaurants and bars for a pre- or post-theatre stop in the surrounding areas of Covent Garden, Soho, and Chinatown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Lyric Theatre box office open and how do I collect tickets?
The box office is open from 12pm - 8pm on performance days for ticketing enquiries and collection. We advise bringing your confirmation email and card you booked with when collecting tickets.
What time does the Lyric Theatre open for a show?
The venue opens 45 minutes before the show starts. The bars and auditorium should be open at the same time. With limited standing-space in the venue, it is recommended that you arrive early, grab yourself a drink and take your seat soon after arriving. The ornate interior of the auditorium with its spectacular chandelier, make it a very pleasant space to sit while waiting for the show to begin.
What food and drink are available at the Lyric Theatre?
There are three bars in the theatre, on the Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle levels. These serve wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks and snacks, such as nuts, crisps and chocolate. It is recommended that you order interval drinks before the performance to avoid queues during the interval.
Does the Lyric Theatre have a cloakroom?
A small cloakroom is available for ticket holders to store larger items during the show. There is a £1 charge per item stored and access is on a first-come, first-served basis. If possible, it is best to avoid bringing large bags and suitcases to the venue and carry only necessary items with you.
Where should I eat near the Lyric Theatre?
The theatre is situated in Soho, where there is an abundance of restaurants, cafes, street food stalls and pubs to eat dinner before or after the show. Try some artisinal Italian cuisine at Bocca di Luppo, which is less than a five-minute walk from the theatre. Alternatively, sample a different take on Japanese bar or "izakaya" food at Shackfuyu, which is also a five-minute walk away.
What is the best hotel to stay at near the Lyric Theatre?
The Hotel Café Royal on Regent Street is a good choice for those visiting the theatre. This five-star hotel is perfect if you're looking to make your theatre visit extra special. Alternatively, for those on a tighter budget, the Premier Inn in Leicester Square is just a few minutes' walk away.
How do I contact the box office?
The box office can be contacted on 0330 333 4815. For further contact information, visit thelyrictheatre.co.uk.
