Lyceum Theatre

The Lyceum Theatre, London

The Lyceum Theatre is a 2,000-seat West End theatre located in the City of Westminster, on Wellington Street, just off the Strand. There has been a theatre with this name in the locality since 1765, and the present site opened on 14 July 1834 to a design by Samuel Beazley. The building was unique in that it had a balcony overhanging the circle. It was built by the partnership of Peto & Grissell.

The present building retains Beazley's façade and grand portico, but the theatre behind is substantially to the 1904 design of Bertie Crewe, restored to theatrical use in 1996 by Holohan Architects, after a long period of use as a Mecca Ballroom.

Lyceum Theatre History

Lyceum Theatre: Early Years

The Lyceum Theatre London has a rich history dating back to its original construction in 1765. Early performances included musical entertainments by Charles Dibdin and appearances by actor David Garrick. The venue was used for various purposes, including a circus, chapel, concert room, and even Madame Tussaud's first waxwork exhibition in 1802. After becoming a licensed house in 1809, it hosted dramatic performances until 1812.

Samuel Arnold rebuilt the theatre in 1816 as "The English Opera House," which was later destroyed by fire in 1830. The Lyceum Theatre London became known as the first theatre in London lit by gas and for hosting the London premiere of Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutti. It also housed the "Sublime Society of Beef Steaks" for over 50 years.

Lyceum Theatre: Present Site

The Lyceum Theatre London, as we know it today, opened in 1834 with a frontage on Wellington Street, under the name "Theatre Royal Lyceum and English Opera House." Designed by Beazley, it cost £40,000 to build. The venue became known for championing English opera, with works like The Mountain Sylph (1834), the first modern English opera, followed by others such as Fair Rosamund (1837) and Blanche of Jersey (1840).

In the 1840s, it hosted adaptations of Charles Dickens' works, including Martin Chuzzlewit (1844–45), a long-running production for its time. Madame Lucia Elizabeth Vestris and Charles James Mathews managed the theatre from 1847–55, producing extravagant stage effects in plays like James Planché's fairy extravaganzas. In 1860, Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities was adapted here, with Dickens himself consulting on the production. The Lyceum Theatre also hosted performances by figures such as Charles Fechter, Ethel Lavenu, and W. S. Gilbert, including Gilbert's first professional play, Uncle Baby (1863).

The theatre's legacy continued in 1889 when Francesco Tamagno starred in the London premiere of Verdi's Otello.

Lyceum Theatre: Irving Years

Sir Henry Irving

The Lyceum Theatre London became synonymous with Sir Henry Irving's legendary performances beginning in 1871. Initially managed by Hezekiah Linthicum Bateman, Irving made his mark with The Bells in 1871, a hit that ran for 150 nights, followed by successes like Charles I (1872) and Hamlet (1874). After Bateman's death in 1878, Irving took over management and transformed the venue, famously collaborating with Ellen Terry, his co-star for 24 years. During this period, the Lyceum hosted celebrated Shakespearean productions like The Merchant of Venice (1879), which ran for 250 nights, and Romeo and Juliet, as well as plays by Tennyson and Wills.

Bram Stoker, who worked as business manager from 1878–1898, based his Dracula character on Irving’s dramatic persona. The theatre also attracted international stars such as Sarah Bernhardt and Eleanora Duse. Irving and Terry’s tours to America further cemented the Lyceum’s place in theatre history.

Lyceum Theatre: Later Years

In 1904, the Lyceum Theatre London was rebuilt in rococo style by Bertie Crewe, retaining only its façade and portico. Initially, it presented music hall and variety shows to compete with nearby theatres but soon reverted to drama. From 1909 to 1938, the Melville Brothers staged successful melodramas. After minor renovations in 1919, the theatre featured long-running dramas and annual Christmas pantomimes, maintaining the tradition of a harlequinade until its closure in 1939. The London City Council purchased the building that year with plans to demolish it for road improvements, but these plans fell through, and the theatre was later converted into the Lyceum Ballroom in 1951.

During the 1960s and 70s, the venue hosted legendary pop concerts, including performances by The Grateful Dead, Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, and U2. Threatened with redevelopment in 1968, the theatre was saved through a successful campaign, gaining Grade II* listed status in 1973. After being dark for several years, it was restored in 1996 and reconverted into a theatre for large-scale musicals.

Since 1999, the Lyceum Theatre London has been home to the musical The Lion King.

The Lyceum Theatre's recent and present productions

Jesus Christ Superstar (19 November 1996 – 28 March 1998)
Oklahoma! (February 1999 – June 1999)
The Lion King (24 September 1999 – present)