Lyric Theatre, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a world-renowned theatre that has been entertaining audiences for over a century. Originally built in 1888, it has been an important part of the London theatre scene ever since, hosting a variety of plays, musicals, and other live performances. It is now one of the largest theatres in London, boasting a seating capacity of 1,057.
History
Lyric Theatre was designed by C. J. Phipps and built by the producer Henry J. Leslie, who also owned the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. The theatre first opened its doors in December 1888, with a production of a play called “Dorothy”. Over the next few years, it became known for hosting melodramas, comedies, and opera bouffe.
In 1892, it was leased by the legendary theatrical impresario, Richard D’Oyly Carte, who brought his famous Savoy operas to the theatre. The Savoy operas were a series of comic operas by the famous collaborators Gilbert and Sullivan, and they were hugely popular at the time.
Throughout the 20th century, Lyric Theatre continued to host a variety of productions, including popular musicals like “The Rocky Horror Show” and “Cabaret”, as well as plays and other performances. In 2005, it underwent a major renovation, which included the installation of new seats, new carpets, and new lighting. It reopened in 2006, and since then has continued to be a popular destination for theatre-goers from around the world.
Architecture
The Lyric Theatre is known for its beautiful late-Victorian architecture. It was designed by C. J. Phipps, who was known for his work on other famous London theatres like Her Majesty’s Theatre and the Royal Court Theatre. It features a grand entrance with a wide staircase leading up to the foyer, which is decorated with ornate plasterwork and chandeliers.
Inside the auditorium, the Lyric Theatre has a horseshoe-shaped seating arrangement, which provides excellent views of the stage from every seat in the house. The walls are decorated with rich red velvet, and the ceiling is covered in a beautiful mural depicting the goddess of lyric poetry, Erato, surrounded by muses and cherubs.
Productions
Over the years, Lyric Theatre has been a host to many important productions that have left their mark on London’s theatre scene. Some of the most notable performances at the theatre include “The Rocky Horror Show”, which premiered there in 1973 and went on to become a cult classic, and “Jeeves and Wooster”, a popular play based on the stories of P.G. Wodehouse.
It has also hosted the world premieres of several important plays, including “Arcadia” by Tom Stoppard and “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice” by Jim Cartwright. It is a popular destination for musicals, and has hosted many productions, including the popular “Thriller Live”, which celebrates the music of Michael Jackson.
Conclusion
Lyric Theatre is an important part of London’s theatre scene, and its beautiful architecture and rich history make it a must-see destination for theatre lovers from around the world. Whether you’re interested in classic plays, modern musicals, or experimental theatre, you’ll find something to enjoy at Lyric Theatre. With a variety of performances and productions available throughout the year, there’s no shortage of entertainment to be found at this iconic London venue.
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