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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
