In its early days, the then-unnamed Lyceum Theatre hosted a circus, doubled up as a chapel, and was also home to the first Madame Tussaud’s waxworks exhibition, before becoming a licensed house in 1809. Between 1816-1834, it operated as The English Opera House, before reopening as Theatre Royal Lyceum & English Opera House in July the same year.
The theatre closed in 1986, but reopened its doors in 1996 with Jesus Christ Superstar, followed by Oklahoma! from February 1999 to June 1999. Standing tall in Wellington Street, this iconic 2100-seater theatre has been home to the theatrical adaptation of Disney’s The Lion King since September 1999.
This Lyceum Theatre guide is designed to help you understand the layout the theatre and help you pick the perfect seats.
Venue Details
Address: 21 Wellington St, London WC2E 7RQ, UK
Opened: July 1834
Seating Capacity: 2100
Stalls : 926
Royal Circle : 575
Grand Circle: 582
Seating Chart
Check out the Lyceum Theatre London Seating Chart here.
Now Playing At The Lyceum Theatre
The Lion King
“Ten years after it first came to the stage, The Lion King still feels as fresh and soul-stirring as ever.”
- The Telegraph
This theatrical adaptation of Disney’s 1992 film, The Lion King, is loved by both children and adults. Upon its debut at West End, it was nominated for 8 Olivier Awards, and won 2 - for Best Theatre Choreographer and Best Costume Design. It is one of the top ten longest-running shows on West End, and one of the best-selling musicals. Since its opening in 1999, The Lion King has been watched by over 12 million people. With its impeccable set, brilliant costumes, and a talented cast, the play transports you to a completely different world in the heart of the African Savannah.
The Story
The Lion King is a retelling of Shakespeare's Hamlet. It follows Simba, the young lion prince of Pride Lands. When his Uncle Scar tries to kill Simba and his father by bringing them to a stampede of wildbeests, in order to usurp the throne, Simba somehow manages to escape and survive. After the death of his father, Mufasa, Simba runs away from home, blaming himself. He meets two outcasts, Timon and Pumba, and lives with them, until one day, his childhood friend Nala finds him. How Simba returns to the Pride Lands and fights for his right to the throne and save the jungle from Scar's tyrannical rule forms the main crux of the story.
Cast
George Asprey as Scar
Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa
Brown Lindiwe Mkhize as Rafiki
Gary Jordan as Zazu
Nick Afoa as Simba
Show Timings
Mondays: Closed
Tuesday and Friday: 7:30 PM
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday: 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Sunday: 2:30 PM
Running Time
2 hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission
Practical Information
Accessible Seating
The Stalls can be accessed through a wheelchair accessible entrance. There are accessible seats in rows P and ZA (Stalls). There is also lifts available to all levels of the theatre.
Available Facilities
Bar: The bar opens an hour and a half before the show. You can carry your drinks into the theatre as long as it is in a plastic cup, which can be obtained from the bar.
Cloakroom: The cloakroom opens an hour before the show. Please note that you cannot leave rucksacks, suitcases, and large bags there.
Toilets: Toilets (both Male and Female) are available on all levels of the theatre, with accessible stalls in each.
WiFi: There is free WiFi available for customers to use.
Handy Tips
- Kids should try and get seats in the aisles for a fun surprise!
- Booster seats are available for children who want to get a good view of the action.
- While the bar in the Stall level is accessible, drinks can be brought to access audience members.
- The Lyceum Theatre has restrooms on all levels, with accessible restrooms in the Stall level.
- Keep in mind that the Grand Circle seats are high up, with a steep rake, so be careful when seating yourself.
Getting There
Tube: Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern Line) and Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line) are the nearest tube stations.
Bus: RV1, X68, 1, 6, 11, 13, 23, 59, 68, 87, 168, 171, 172, 188, or 243 to Aldwych
4, 9, 15, 26, 34, 76, 91, 139, or 176 to Strand
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