Lyceum Theatre London West End - News & Reviews

Disney's The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
Evenings: Tuesday to Saturday 7.30pm
Matinees: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 2.30pm
Running Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Age Restrictions: The Lion King is recommended for children aged 7 and over.
Under-3s will not be admitted.
Show Opened: 12th October 1999
Important Info: PLEASE NOTE: strobe lighting is used several times during the performance. Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted. Children over 3 will be admitted, but they must be able to sit in their own seat quietly throughout the performance. If they become restless, they may be asked to leave the auditorium.

The Lyceum Theatre London
21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ
Seating Plan

Venue and Travel Information
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
Tube Lines: Piccadilly
Directions from nearest tube: Go right on Long Acre; turn right into Bow Street/Wellington Street and follow the road 200 metres. The theatre is on your right.
Railway Station: Charing Cross
Bus Numbers: (Strand) 4, 9, 15, 26, 76, 91, 139, 176, 341; (Aldwych) RV1, X68, 1, 6, 11, 13, 23, 59, 68, 87, 168, 171, 172, 188, 243
Night Bus Numbers: (Strand) 139, 176, 341, N9, N15, N21, N44, N76, N9; (Aldwych) 6, 23, 188, 243, N1, N11, N13, N26, N47, N68, N87, N89, N155, N171, N551
Car Park: Drury Lane, Parker Street
Within Congestion Zone: Yes
Venue Facilities: Air conditioned, Bar, Disabled toilets, Infrared hearing loop, Toilets and Wheelchair accessible

The Lyceum Theatre London
Throughout its history, dating back to 1772, when the Society of Arts founded ‘a Room for Exhibitions and Concerts’ near the current location, the Lyceum has adapted to changing fashions and needs. When first built the theatre housed a wide range of entertainment, including hot air balloons, an animal circus, and a fireworks display. In 1802 Madame Tussaud’s first waxworks exhibition was displayed here. The theatre at one time became a temporary home for the Theatre Royal Drury Lane when it was burned down.

After the Lyceum suffered a similar fate in 1830, the architect Samuel Beazley designed the new theatre and his magnificent portico is still in view today. In 1834 the Lyceum’s productions were hampered by restrictions prohibiting so-called minor theatres from staging drama without a musical interlude, a legacy from the early days following Charles II’s restoration. However, when the 1834 Licensing Act removed these frustrating restrictions, the theatre then presented Shakespeare and the classics. A series of successful extravaganzas were staged, but it was not until 1878 that the Lyceum firmly established itself at the height of the industry.

It was in 1878 that Henry Irving took over the lease of the property and Ellen Terry became his leading lady. This famous partnership had the two nick-named ‘Lord and Lady of the Lyceum’. Unfortunately, in 1898 poor health forced Irving to relinquish control of the theatre, ending a brilliant era. When no buyer could be found by 1904 for the theatre it was decided to demolish and rebuild it. Bertie Crew designed the new building, which was at first used for music hall entertainment.

From 1909-38 the Melville Brothers produced a successful series of spectacular melodramas and Princesses Margaret and Elizabeth saw their first pantomime at the Lyceum in 1934. In 1939 the new owners were London City Council, and they wanted to replace the theatre with a roundabout for traffic. Ellen Terry’s great nephew John Gielgud brought the wheel full circle with 6 farewell performances of Hamlet, proclaiming ” Long live the Lyceum!” The triumphal declaration seemed optimistic until the war intervened and demolition plans were shelved. In 1945 Mecca Ballrooms took over the lease and today’s raked auditorium was then a large dance floor.

By 1986 the Lyceum was again empty and not used but less than ten years later this decline was stopped. Apollo Leisure stepped forward to rescue the theatre in 1994 and securing permission to restore the theatre to its former glory. Today, the theatre has state of the art facilities and an opulent red and gold auditorium. With Jesus Christ Superstar and now The Lion King taking up residence, it seems the ‘Lyceum roar’ will again echo in this famous theatre.

London Musical Theatre Orchestra’s concert version of A Christmas Carol

November 2, 2018 Last updated: May 5, 2019 3:59 pm By Admin

Griff Rhys Jones to star as Scrooge in London Musical Theatre Orchestra’s concert version of A Christmas Carol at The Lyceum Theatre on 10th and 17th December 2018.

Following sell-out performances in 2016 and 2017, the London Musical Theatre Orchestra returns to the Lyceum Theatre for three performances of their critically and popularly acclaimed concert production of Alan Menken, Lynn Ahrens and Mike Ockrent’s A Christmas Carol.

A Christmas Carol will star one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers: comedian, actor, writer and producer Griff Rhys Jones will play Charles Dickens’ great miser Ebenezer Scrooge. Griff Rhys Jones has been a household name since the 1980s and is currently touring Australia with Griff Rhys Jones: The Unexpected Traveller.

Speaking about taking on the role of Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, Griff Rhys Jones said: “I’m delighted to be getting to play my hero, Scrooge. I have based a lot of my current life choices on him. Dickens made a huge impact on our whole idea of Christmas with his little book, “A Christmas Carol”. It has justly been a favourite ever since and this is a brilliant and moving musical version. I am working alongside a talented and enthusiastic group of performers and musicians who make up the London Musical Theatre Orchestra. I’m very much looking forward to going on that uplifting journey that Scrooge takes on that fateful Christmas Eve and hope people will enjoy the concert as much as we will enjoy performing it.”

Joining Griff Rhys Jones as Ebenezer Scrooge, will be Lucie Jones (Legally Blonde / Eurovision 2017) as Emily / The Ghost of Christmas Future, Rosemary Ashe (The Witches of Eastwick / The Phantom of the Opera) as Mrs Fezziwig, Nicolas Colicos (The Producers / The Bodyguard) as Mr Fezziwig, David Hunter (Kinky Boots/ Once) as Bob Cratchit, Miriam-Teak Lee (Hamilton / On The Town) as The Ghost of Christmas Past, Cedric Neal (Chess / Motown) as The Ghost of Christmas Present, Jeremy Secomb (Les Misérables / Sweeney Todd) as Marley, Caroline Sheen as (Mary Poppins / Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) as Mrs Cratchit and Jon Tarcy (Titus Andronicus / The Sound of Music Live) as Fred Anderson.

Due to exceptional demand, a matinee performance has been added at 4pm on Monday 17th December. Tickets for all three performances are on sale now.

Founder Freddie Tapner said: “Griff Rhys Jones has long been a hero of mine, and so to have him coming to play Scrooge is incredibly exciting. I can’t wait to see what he does with the role – and in a first for LMTO, audiences now have three chances to see him in action. Bring on the 10th December and those opening chords of the Overture.”

Shaun Kerrison returns to direct this hit production, with sound design by Nick Lidster and Avgoustos Psillas and lighting design by Mike Robertson. The concert is executive produced by Clive Chenery for LMTO and general managed by Peter Huntley for Smart Entertainment.

LMTO’s concert version of A Christmas Carol follows their triumphant performance of Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot at the London Palladium and Martin Smith’s King at The Hackney Empire earlier this year, as well as Mack and Mabel at The Hackney Empire, Bernstein’s Candide In Concert at Cadogan Hall in 2017 and a sell-out five-star 2016 season. LMTO’s production of Howard Goodall’s Girlfriends will be performed on Friday 2nd November and Saturday 3rd November and stars Lucie Jones, Lauren Samuels, Bronté Barbé, Natasha Barnes, Vikki Stone and Rob Houchen.

Listings Information:
Dates: 10th and 17th December 2018
London Musical Theatre Orchestra: A Christmas Carol
Lyceum Theatre
21 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7RQ
Time: 7.30pm on 10th and 17th December with 4pm matinee on 17th December (2 hrs – including 20-minute interval)

Disney’s The Lion King announce next dedicated Relaxed Performance

October 5, 2018 Last updated: May 5, 2019 3:51 pm By Admin

Disney’s hit West End musical THE LION KING will hold a dedicated Relaxed Performance on Sunday 2nd June 2019 at 1:30pm. Tickets are now on sale.

Disney’s THE LION KING is committed to creating a friendly and inclusive audience experience at the Lyceum Theatre, London. Having hosted its fifth Autism-Friendly Performance in London in June 2018, the landmark musical is delighted to be presenting a Relaxed Performance for 2019. Relaxed performances are specially adapted to be accessible to a wide range of audiences such as those with autism, those with a learning disability or anyone with a sensory predisposition, with extra trained staff on hand and dedicated quiet areas inside the theatre should anyone need to leave their seat. All patrons who feel this performance might suit their specific needs are warmly encouraged to attend.

Audience members can find out more information and purchase tickets at https://thelionking.co.uk/relaxedperformances/. Tickets are sold at a specially reduced rate and can be selected on a virtual map of the auditorium.

Disney’s award-winning musical THE LION KING is now in its 19th triumphant year at London’s Lyceum Theatre. Since the UK premiere in London on Tuesday 19th October 1999, THE LION KING has entertained over 15 million theatregoers and remains the West End’s best-selling stage production. It is currently the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time.

LISTINGS
Disney’s THE LION KING – a Relaxed Performance
Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street,
London WC2E 7RQ
Sunday 02 June 2019 at 1.30pm
Tickets on sale now
https://thelionking.co.uk/relaxedperformances/

Disney’s Aladdin and The Lion King announce Summer Pop-Up Experience in London

July 13, 2018 Last updated: October 7, 2019 9:51 pm By Admin

Trevor Dion Nicholas (Genie) & Matthew Croke (Aladdin) photo by Deen Van Meer (c) Disney

Disney’s hit West End musicals Aladdin and The Lion King have today announced that a summer Pop-Up will open its doors to Disney fans old and new in Covent Garden throughout August. Located at 25 Long Acre in the heart of Theatreland, the Pop-Up will be open every day from Tuesday 31st July until Sunday 26th August with a host of free interactive experiences and special events to enjoy.

Within this unique space, guests will be able to explore the iconic masks, puppets and costumes from the Tony-Award winning The Lion King up-close and learn about the inspiration behind many of the show’s impressive designs. Guests will also have the opportunity to step inside a specially-created ‘Cave of Wonders’, where they will be able to take a photo with the legendary lamp from Aladdin.

The fun continues around Covent Garden’s Piazza where visitors are invited to delve into a treasure hunt to uncover four magic lamps – each offering a clue to an Aladdin themed puzzle. Those who unscramble the message can take home a limited edition poster as their well-earned reward.

In addition to this, a variety of free events will take place daily within the Pop-Up including performances from cast members of the two West End shows, puppetry demonstrations and stage makeup masterclasses, as well as vocal and movement bite-sized workshops to get a first-hand flavour of the shows’ music and choreography. The full schedule is available to view at www.disneyonstage.co.uk and access to events is available on a first-come-first-served basis.

This summer Disney UK celebrated the second anniversary of Aladdin in the West End, which opened at the Prince Edward Theatre in June 2016, while The Lion King enjoys its 19th triumphant year at the Lyceum Theatre.

Disney’s The Lion King welcomes new cast to London’s Lyceum Theatre

May 9, 2017 Last updated: April 26, 2020 6:25 pm By Admin

The Embrace' - Nick Afoa as Simba, Janique Charles as Nala 2017 ©Disney — ‘The Embrace’ – Nick Afoa as Simba, Janique Charles as Nala 2017 ©Disney

The London production of THE LION KING welcomes 11 new cast members, including Janique Charles, Gary Jordan and Dominique Planter who take over the principal roles of ‘Nala’, ‘Zazu’ and ‘Shenzi’ respectively. Now in its 18th triumphant year, over 14 million people have seen Disney’s award-winning musical at the Lyceum Theatre.

THE LION KING marks Janique Charles’ West End debut. Born and raised in Trinidad & Tobago, Janique moved to London to join the UK touring cast of THE LION KING in 2013. A rising star, she has travelled extensively and brings her experiences to her role as Nala. She joined the London production of THE LION KING in May 2016 as part of the ensemble cast, but she now steps up to play the principal role of Nala.

Gary Jordan has performed in London’s West End in Grease (Victoria Palace), Anyone Can Whistle (Savoy) and in the UK tours of High Society and Playdays Live. Gary is also a pianist and musical director.

Dominique Planter has been a swing in THE LION KING since 2016, this marks her West End debut in a principal role.

THE LION KING also welcomes new cast members from The Philippines, Malawi, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Brazil and the UK: Lila Anderson, Owen Chaponda, Deborah Dada, Debôrah Godchaser, Brian James Leys, Nathan Louis-Fernand, Nonhlanhla Makthathini, Rutendo Mushonga, Luciano Santos Souza and Karlene Wray.

They join a uniquely international company, which already includes performers from 11 countries around the world. The company is led by George Asprey as Scar, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, Brown Lindiwe Mkhize as Rafiki, Richard Frame as Timon, Keith Bookman as Pumbaa, Nick Afoa as Simba, David Blake as Banzai and Mack McGee as Ed.

Disney’s award-winning musical THE LION KING is now in its 18th triumphant year at London’s Lyceum Theatre. Since the UK premiere in London on Tuesday 19th October 1999, THE LION KING has entertained over 14 million theatregoers and remains the West End’s best-selling stage production. It is currently the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time. Tickets are currently on sale until 25th May 2018 for Groups.

Can You Feel The Love Tonight' - Nick Afoa as Simba, Janique Charles as Nala 2017 ©Disney — ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ – Nick Afoa as Simba, Janique Charles as Nala 2017 ©Disney

Julie Taymor’s internationally-celebrated stage adaptation of Disney’s beloved animation film premiered on Broadway in 1997 and has now been seen by more than 90 million people across six continents. Ten productions are running concurrently around the globe. In addition to the record-breaking production in London and New York, THE LION KING can currently be seen in Hamburg, Madrid, Scheveningen (The Netherlands), Shanghai, Tokyo, Sapporo, Mexico City and across North America.

THE LION KING is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.

Disney’s THE LION KING
Lyceum Theatre
21 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7RQ

Book The King Musical tickets for The Lyceum Theatre London

Disney’s The Lion King announces next dedicated Autism-Friendly Performance

November 7, 2016 Last updated: April 26, 2020 6:25 pm By Admin

Disney UK today announced that its production of THE LION KING will hold a dedicated Autism-Friendly Performance on Sunday 4th June 2017 at 1:30pm. This follows the success of previous such performances designed to make the show more accessible for those affected by autism. In line with the announcement, they have released a short video here looking at how the Autism-Friendly Performance is created. Tickets are now on sale.

Disney’s THE LION KING staged the West End’s first dedicated Autism-Friendly Performance in April 2013, working closely with The National Autistic Society, the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families. THE LION KING has now staged three such performances in London and one in Edinburgh during the show’s UK tour.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. More than 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum, including an estimated 700,000 people in the UK. Although everyone on the autism spectrum is different, people may be under or oversensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours, which can make everyday life extremely challenging. They can also find social situations and unexpected changes a challenge, which can sometimes lead to extreme levels of anxiety.

Understandably, a visit to a musical on the scale of THE LION KING in London’s busiest theatre could prove an overwhelming experience for a significant number of people in the UK who are autistic.

These dedicated Autism-Friendly Performances of THE LION KING include modifications to the booking process, performance, and the theatre environment, including:

The theatre’s foyer includes designated quiet and activity areas; staffed by experts in autism throughout the performance should anyone need to leave their seats
Slight adjustments are made to the performance itself, including the reduction of jarring sounds or strobe lighting that face the audience
The cast of THE LION KING along with Lyceum Theatre box office and front of house staff have been given training to understand the needs of an audience made up of adults and children who are autistic
A specific website has been set up for this performance, linking to a dedicated booking page. The website includes a downloadable ‘visual story’ to help people with autism understand the process of a visit to the theatre, thus aiding their comprehension of the experience and reducing anxiety by explaining each step from arriving in the foyer to the final curtain call
Audience members can find out more information and purchase tickets at www.lionkingautismfriendly.co.uk. Tickets are sold at a specially reduced rate and can be selected on a virtual map of the auditorium.

Disney’s award-winning musical THE LION KING is now in its 18th triumphant year at London’s Lyceum Theatre. Since the UK premiere in London on Tuesday 19th October 1999, THE LION KING has entertained over 13 million theatregoers and remains the West End’s best-selling stage production. It is currently the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time. Tickets are currently on sale until 30th April 2017 for individuals and 1st October 2017 for groups.

Julie Taymor’s internationally-celebrated stage adaptation of Disney’s beloved animated film premiered on Broadway in 1997 and has now been seen by more than 85 million people across six continents. Nine productions are running concurrently around the globe. In addition to the record-breaking productions in London and New York, The Lion King can currently be seen in Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, Mexico City, Shanghai, Scheveningen and on tour across North America.

Book The Lion King Tickets for The Lyceum Theatre, London.