Lyric Theatre

Now Playing: Hadestown

Welcome to Hadestown, where a song can change your fate
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From £25
Lyric Theatre
8+

Upcoming Performances

  • Fri 12 Dec
    19:30
  • Sat 13 Dec
    14:30, 19:30
  • Sun 14 Dec
    15:00
  • Tue 16 Dec
    19:30
  • Wed 17 Dec
    19:30

About Lyric Theatre

Lyric Theatre is the oldest surviving venue on Shaftesbury Avenue, opened in 1888 and designed by theatre architect C.J. Phipps. Known for its ornate Victorian charm and strong musical tradition, the theatre has hosted everything from comic operas to major modern musicals. With 915 seats across four levels, it offers a warm and atmospheric setting in the heart of Soho.
🏆 Notable Record

Thriller Live ran for an incredible 13 years, becoming one of the theatre’s longest and most successful productions.

Venue Tips

✨ Best For

Musical fans, visitors to Soho, and anyone seeing major long-running shows like Hadestown. Perfect for lively West End nights close to restaurants, bars and nightlife.

💺 Best Seats

Stalls for powerful sound and staging; Dress Circle front for the best elevated view; Upper Circle central for value. Side seats in the Balcony can be fun for budget options during musicals.

⚠️ Seats to Avoid

Avoid the very back of the Balcony where distance reduces detail, and far-side seats on all levels where ornate architecture can partly limit sightlines.

Things to Know Before You Go

Where is the Lyric Theatre located?

At 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, in the middle of Soho, a short walk from Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.

Which Tube stations are closest?

Piccadilly Circus is 2 minutes away. Leicester Square is 8–10 minutes by foot.

Which train station is nearest?

Charing Cross is around 12 minutes away, or one stop via the Bakerloo line.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 25–30 minutes early to pass bag checks and enjoy the foyer or bars.

Is there a dress code?

No formal dress code — smart casual is typical, comfort is most important.

Is the theatre accessible?

Step-free access to the Dress Circle via a street-level entrance. Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available.

Are food and drinks available?

Yes. Bars serve drinks and snacks before the performance and during the interval.

Are bags checked at the entrance?

Yes, security checks operate at entry. Large bags and luggage are not permitted.

🤓 Fun Facts

The theatre opened in 1888 with the comic opera *Dorothy*, which inspired its commission.

Lyric Theatre is built partly over the remains of an 18th-century museum belonging to Sir William Hunter.

It still operates an original iron safety curtain powered by a hydraulic pump — unique in the West End.

Thriller Live ran for 13 years here before closing in 2020.

A bomb strike during WWI caused damage and inspired a local ghost story.

Venue Location

Nearest Tube Stations

  • Piccadilly Circus Piccadilly, Bakerloo Zone 1 0.14 km
  • Leicester Square Northern, Piccadilly Zone 1 0.36 km
  • Tottenham Court Road Northern, Central Zone 1 0.61 km