LYRIC THEATRE
Shaftesbury Avenue
London, W1D 7ES
The Lyric Theatre opened in December 1888 and was only the second playhouse to be built fronting on to the newly constructed Shaftesbury Avenue (the first being the original Shaftesbury Theatre).
It forms part of a block which includes the Apollo and Windmill Theatres, but the Lyric takes up most of the frontage, with its stage door and dressing rooms on Great Windmill Street, next to the Windmill's main entrance.
The Lyric has a partly cantilevered auditorium which is built on four levels: Stalls and Pit, Dress Circle, Upper Circle, and Gallery. Today the Gallery is called the Balcony and the theatre has a seating capacity for 967.
The Theatre is unusual in that it still uses water to operate the iron curtain, which was originally pumped from the Thames. Today it is operated via an electric pump but can also be operated manually by two people.
The Lyric Theatre has been home to many successful productions, with recent successes including Blood Brothers, Five Guys Named Mo and Cabaret which was presented here in 2006.
HOW TO GET TO THE LYRIC THEATRE
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Tube : Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo, Piccadilly) |
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14, 19, 22B, 38, 53, 88, 94, 159 |
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Poland Street and China Town. This theatre participates in the Theatreland Parking Scheme - find out more about the great discounts offered by clicking on the link. |
DISABLED ACCESS TO LYRIC
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Sennheiser infra-red system with 5 headsets |
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Two guide dogs are welcome in the auditorium or staff will dog-sit. |
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Entrance is through the left-hand double EXIT door (Royal Entrance) as you face the theatre. Level access to Boxes E, D and C. Boxes C and D can accommodate 1 scooter or wheelchair plus guest. Box E can accommodate 1 scooter or wheelchair plus 2 guests or 2 scooters or 2 wheelchairs. Transfer seating available to Dress Circle (up 6 steps from Royal Entrance). |
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Adapted toilet on the left inside the Royal entrance in the Royal Retiring Room. |