www.thelionking.co.uk
Discover the Lyceum Theatre, London Home to The Lion King Musical
There has been a theatre in the Covent Garden area called the Lyceum since 1765. The theatre has been used for a host of activities in the last 247 years and is one of the UK's most prominent and important theatres.
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 pillared entrance.
In 1878, Henry Irving took over as the Theatre Manager and appointed Mr Bram Stoker as his Business Manager. Bram Stocker 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.
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.
Luckily, the road improvement plans collapsed and the theatre re-opened after the war as the 'Lyceum Ballroom'. Over the years many big bands and stars performed on the Lyceum stage 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 was given a new lease of life by the Apollo Leisure Group after 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.
Planning Your Visit
Security
The Lyceum Theatre continues to make the safety and security of its customers and staff a priority. We may undertake bag checks, so recommend you leave extra time to avoid queues, and refrain from bringing suitcases, rucksacks and large bags into the Theatre.
Eating & Drinking
Named after the Lyceum’s conversion to a successful Ballroom in 1945, The Ballroom bar is open exclusively for show ticket holders an hour and a half prior to the show commencing. There are additional bars on each level of the venue. All drinks can be taken into the auditorium as long as they are in a plastic cup. There are a number confectionary kiosks across the theatre where refreshments can be purchased.
Merchandise
Official Lion King merchandise can be purchased at the theatre. Merchandise kiosks can be found on each level and sell a variety of souvenirs.
Cloakroom
The cloakroom does not currently accept coats, only suitcases, heavy bags, rucksacks and pushchairs. A left luggage facility is available at Charing Cross station. Please note that the venue is not responsible for any loss or damage of personal belongings. The cloakroom opens an hour before the show.
Toilets
The Lyceum Theatre has both male and female toilets on each level as well as accessible facilities in Stalls.
Wi-Fi
Lyceum Theatre Guest Wi-fi is available in the venue for customers to connect to and enjoy free internet access. However, phones should always be switched off for the duration of the performance.
Watch The Lion King in London
