Lyric Theatre, Victorian theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue, London, England
The Lyric Theatre is a protected theatre building at 29 Shaftesbury Avenue in the Westminster district of London. The interior shows traditional tiers on several levels, decorated balconies and a large stage framed by a heavy velvet curtain.
Charles J. Phipps designed the building, which opened in January 1888 as part of a wave of new theatres in Victorian London. Several stages appeared along Shaftesbury Avenue during this period, turning the street into a center for performing arts.
The name comes from lyric poetry and the muses of ancient Greece, reflecting the theatre's aspiration to present refined entertainment. Today it stages musicals and comedies that draw international audiences, shaping the rhythm of an evening out in London's theatre district.
The box office opens two hours before showtime, allowing visitors to collect tickets or make last-minute purchases. It helps to arrive early to navigate the foyer and locate your seat before the lights dim.
The 1888 facade combines red brick and pale stone with classical columns and arches. This outer design has remained almost unchanged since opening day, standing out clearly against the more modern buildings around it.
Location: City of Westminster
Architects: Charles J. Phipps
Official opening: 1888
Address: 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, Westminster, W1D 7ES, England
Website: http://nimaxtheatres.com/lyric-theatre
GPS coordinates: 51.51139,-0.13361
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28
West End theatre
385 m
London Trocadero
128 m
Apollo Theatre
18 m
Gielgud Theatre
49 m
Windmill Theatre
35 m
Sondheim Theatre
79 mPiccadilly Theatre
97 m
The 2i's Coffee Bar
136 m
Wong Kei
84 m
Raymond Revuebar
128 m
London Pavilion
123 m
Rialto Cinema
143 m
Cannon Moulin Complex
61 m
Picturehouse Central
84 m
18–20 Coventry Street
126 m
The Blue Posts Public House
74 m
19, Gerrard Street W1
130 m
22 And 24, Rupert Street W1
86 m
63, Old Compton Street W1
128 m
29, Great Windmill Street W1
89 m
20-24, Shaftesbury Avenue
61 m
7 And 9, Wardour Street W1
138 m
18, Gerrard Street W1
136 m
49 And 51, Brewer Street W1
116 m
Cannon Dilly
49 m
12, Brewer Street W1
118 m
27, Wardour Street W1
99 m
26, Rupert Street W1
81 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes