Lyric Theatre

The Lyric Theatre stands in Shaftesbury Avenue in the City of Westminster. Built in 1888 for producer Henry Leslie, it was the second theatre on the avenue and remains the oldest still standing. The architect, C. J. Phipps, also designed the Savoy and Her Majesty’s theatres. The façade mixes red brick and Portland stone in a Renaissance style, with arched windows and gables. Inside, the stalls and pit are lined with walnut and sycamore panelling, topped with carved mouldings. An original 1767 house front from Sir William Hunter’s home survives at the rear. The theatre’s early years saw hits like Dorothy and The Mountebanks, while later productions included Blood Brothers and Thriller – Live. Stars such as Marie Tempest, Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh appeared on its stage. Non-musical works ranged from Shakespeare to Noël Coward and Alan Bennett. In the 1890s, La cigale and Florodora drew large crowds, while the 1900s brought The Chocolate Soldier and Hamlet with Johnston Forbes-Robertson. A visitor finds a four-level auditorium with around 900 seats. The proscenium frame is made of brown and white alabaster, and the walls retain their original panelling. The theatre’s interior still reflects its late-19th-century grandeur. Performances today continue the tradition of musicals and plays. The space blends historic charm with modern stagecraft.