The Lyric Theatre is the oldest of the theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue. Opening in 1888 with the comic opera Dorothy, (featuring Marie Tempest), which had transferred from the Prince of Wales Theatre. During 1906 Lewis Waller appeared in a season of revivals and a romantic version of Robin Hood. In 1910 The Chocolate Soldier was the first of Bernard Shaw’s plays to be set to music when Oscar Strauss composed songs for an adaptation of Arms and the Man.
Berkeley Square was presented by Gilbert Miller and Leslie Howard in 1929, with Howard as Peter Standish.
The foyer and bar areas were completely renovated in 1932-33 and the exterior later restored in 1994. The theatre staged mostly light operettas when it first opened before subsequently staging light comedies and straight drama. From 1950 Andre Roussin’s The Little Hut had a run of 1261 performances with Robert Morley in the original cast. 1955 saw Noel Coward’s South Sea Bubble played at the theatre starring Vivien Leigh.
Alan Ayckbourn’s How the Other Half Loves starring Alec Guinness ran for 869 performances from 1972. Other predominant productions include Rosemary Harris leading the cast of Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias, Look Back in Anger with Kenneth Branagh, and Sheila Hancock in Andrew Davies’ Prin.
Transport to the Lyric Theatre
The Lyric Theatre is located in the heart of London’s West End and is a popular destination for theatre-goers. If you’re planning to visit the theatre and are wondering about the best way to get there, here are some of the public transport options available:
- Tube: The nearest tube station to the Lyric Theatre is Piccadilly Circus, which is on the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines. Alternatively, you can take the Central and Northern lines to Leicester Square station, which is also within walking distance of the theatre.
- Bus: There are several bus routes that stop near the theatre, including the 14, 19, 38, and 176. These buses run through various parts of London, so you can easily find a route that works for you.
- Train: The nearest train station to the theatre is Charing Cross, which is about a 10-15 minute walk away. You can take a train to Charing Cross from various parts of London and beyond.
- Bicycle: If you enjoy cycling, you can use London’s cycle hire scheme, Santander Cycles, to get to the theatre. There are several docking stations located near the theatre.
- Taxi or Uber: If you prefer, you can take a taxi or an Uber to the theatre. There are several taxi ranks located near the theatre, or you can book an Uber using the app.
When planning your journey to the Lyric Theatre, it’s a good idea to check the transport timetables in advance, especially if you’re travelling during rush hour. This will help you to avoid any delays or disruptions that could affect your journey.
Lyric Theatre London
29 Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London W1D 7ES