About the Lyceum Theatre
Home to Disney's The Lion King
Operated by the Ambassadors Theatre Group, the Lyceum Theatre is instantly recognisable by its grand, Grade II listed building that stands proudly in London’s Covent Garden. Since 1999, the theatre has been home to Disney’s The Lion King, a beloved musical that’s become a major part of the West End’s cultural scene.
Where is the Lyceum Theatre?
You can find the Lyceum Theatre Wellington Street, just off the Strand in Central London. We’re right in the centre of London’s renowned theatre strip. Find out more about getting to the Lyceum Theatre.
How big is the Lyceum Theatre?
Our auditorium has a seating capacity of 2,100, which is why it hosts one of the biggest and most popular musicals in the West End!
History of the Lyceum Theatre
The Lyceum Theatre’s history dates back to when it first opened in 1765. For over 200 years, there has been a theatre in London’s Covent Garden called the Lyceum, but not as we know it today. It’s taken many different forms throughout the years but has, and continues to be, one of the UK’s most prominent and important theatres.
English Opera House
The current Lyceum Theatre is an amalgamation of styles and eras. The ‘English Opera House’, as the Lyceum was then known, burnt down in 1830 and construction of the new ‘Theatre Royal Lyceum & English Opera House’ began in 1834. The only part of the original building left is the main portico pillar entrance.
In 1878, Henry Irving took over as the Theatre Manager and appointed Mr Bram Stoker as his Business Manager. Bram Stoker is famous for writing ‘Dracula’ which was written within the walls of the Lyceum during 1897 and Irving provided real life inspiration for the character.
1904 Theatre Rebuild
In 1904, the theatre was re-built as it currently is by Bertie Crewe. The theatre played host to a range of melodramas until the Lyceum was bought by London City Council in 1939, who had plans to demolish the building along with the Aldwych, Novello, Vaudeville and Adelphi theatres to make way for road improvements. The theatre closed in 1939 with a landmark performance of Hamlet starring Sir John Gielgud in the title role.
Modern day Lyceum Theatre
Luckily, the Lyceum Theatre’s history didn’t end there, as the council’s road improvement plans collapsed. After the war, the theatre re-opened as the ‘Lyceum Ballroom’ and welcomed many big bands and stars including The Who, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Queen and Prince, who played his first UK gig here in 1981.
The Lyceum Theatre was Grade II listed in 1978 to prevent further demolition plans and from 1996, it was given a new lease of life by the Apollo Leisure Group with a £15 million refurbishment. Since that time, the theatre has played host to shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar and Oklahoma! and is currently home to Disney’s The Lion King.