Nestled behind the Strand on Wellington Street is one of the West End’s most fascinating theatres, The Lyceum. It stands as a monument to the rich tapestry of British theatrical history, where countless thespians, playwrights, and creatives have found inspiration and dazzled audiences for over two centuries.
Who designed the Lyceum Theatre?
The original Lyceum Theatre, designed by James Paine, opened its doors in 1765, a short distance from its present site, with the entrance on the Strand. It was used more as a performance space for hire than a working theatre, playing host to Philip Astley’s circus, performances by David Garrick and even the first appearance of Madame Tussauds Waxwork Museum. In the 1830's, the theatre moved to its present site on Wellington Street and the architect Samuel Beazley was brought in to design it at a cost of £40,000. This new space specialised in English opera and theatre.
Which famous actors have performed at the Lyceum Theatre?
One of the theatre's most iconic performers is Henry Irving, arguably the greatest actor of his age. For more than 20 years, Irving performed at and managed the theatre, turning it into an overwhelming success. Irving was rewarded by becoming the first actor to be knighted for his contributions to theatre. In particular, his partnership with the actress Ellen Terry, who he cast opposite himself whenever possible, became the stuff of legend. Together, they brought Shakespearean classics to life, including unforgettable productions of Hamlet, Macbeth, and The Merchant of Venice. Irving’s portrayal of Hamlet in particular is often cited as one of the greatest in the history of the play, with Terry's Ophelia providing a perfect counterbalance. Their work at the Lyceum solidified the theatre’s reputation as a premier venue for serious drama.
Irving and Terry’s final curtain call at the Lyceum Theatre came in 1902. After changing hands in 1904, the theatre was torn down once more, replaced by the stunning Edwardian Baroque building we see today, which seats 2,100 people reflecting the wealth and grandeur of early 20th Century theatre design. Only the portico pillars at the entrance, name checked in the Sherlock Holmes stories, survive from Beazley’s 19th century design. Tragically, Irving never lived to see the new theatre, dying in 1905, before it was completed.
Over the years, the Lyceum Theatre has hosted an array of world famous performers. In addition to Henry Irving and Ellen Terry, stars such as Sir Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, John Gielgud and Peter O'Toole have graced its stage.
Why is there a link between The Lyceum Theatre & Dracula?
One of the most compelling aspects of the Lyceum Theatre's history is its connection to some of the greatest literary characters and stories, particularly the connection to Bram Stoker's "Dracula." Bram Stoker worked alongside Henry Irving for almost 30 years as the business manager of the Lyceum Theatre. It's widely believed that Irving's charismatic yet unsettling presence influenced Stoker's creation of Count Dracula. The atmosphere of the Lyceum, with its grandiose and somewhat Gothic architecture, also likely played a role in inspiring the dark, mysterious ambiance of Stoker's iconic novel.
Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, also graced the stage of the Lyceum, in a production written by Conan Doyle and William Gillette. This production helped cement Holmes as an iconic figure in popular culture, extending his reach beyond the pages of Doyle’s stories, and even featured a young Charlie Chaplin as Billy the pageboy. The reviews for the production were fantastic, though most modern audiences would find some of Gillette’s behaviour as Sherlock downright alarming, he was apparently so intent on embodying the character that he apparently snorted real cocaine on stage.
Did the Lyceum theatre host gigs?
In 1939, the theatre was boarded up and scheduled for demolition, with plans put in place for it to be turned into flats. The outbreak of the Second World War put these plans on hold indefinitely and, in the 1950s, the theatre was converted into a ballroom, which would go on to host performances by bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Grateful Dead, Bob Marley, Prince and even the annual Miss World Competition from 1951 to 1968.
What is on at the Lyceum Theatre Today?
In the 1990s, it was finally converted back into a theatrical space, opening with a performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar. The Disney musical The Lion King has been running since 1999 and continues to draw huge audiences daily with its stunning puppetry work and songs.
Interested in learning more? Why not join our Free Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour, which ends outside The Lyceum Theatre? Or you can find our other tours here.