Located in the City of Westminster just off the strand, is one of the most iconic theatre venues in the West End. Home to Disney and Julie Taymor's smash hit musical The Lion King, the Lyceum Theatre has been welcoming millions of people from all over the world since 1999. When it was first built, the theatre was unique in the balcony overhangs the rest of the theatre. Although it boasts an immense capacity of 2,000 seats, it still provides an intimate and special theatrical experience.
Lyceum Theatre Seating
Within its huge 2,000 seat auditorium, the Lyceum theatre is divided into the Stalls, the Royal Circle and the Grand Circle. Depending on where you choose to seat and how much money you wish you spend, prices vary considerably.
Lyceum Theatre Seating Plan
Seating
As a large auditorium, the Lyceum theatre is divided into the Stalls, the section closest to the stage, the Royal Circle above it and and then the Grand Circle.
The Stalls
The largest section of the auditorium, the Lyceum Theatre's Stalls boasts 935 seats.
The Royal Circle
As the middle section of the theatre, the Royal Circle has 648 seats, meaning that it offers excellent views of the stage.
The Grand Circle
The Lyceum Theatre's Grand Circle is the section of the theatre furthest away from the stage and has 582 seats.
Seats with Best Visibility
As a large auditorium, there are several sections of the theatre with reduced visibility seating and especially considering that the Royal Circle has an overhang and there are some seats extremely far away from the stage.
- Premium seats: if you want to enjoy the Lyceum theatre best seats, then these are undoubtedly in the middle of the Stalls. These seats are especially special if you are going to see the Lion King, as they are particularly immersive. Or if you fancy being higher up and enjoying panoramic views, then sit in the middle of the Royal Circle. The Royal Circle overhang starts until row Q but until there you can enjoy excellent seats.
- Great value seats: if you are looking for more reasonably priced seats, then these can be found in the Stalls boxes which are really good fun to sit in.
- Discounted tickets: there are even cheaper seats in the Royal Circle and the Grand Circle as these sections of the theatre are slightly further away from the stage. However, you can still enjoy the full theatrical experience.
Lyceum theatre Box office opening times
- Monday: 10am – 6pm
- Tuesday-Saturday: 10am – 8pm
- Sunday: 11am – 3pm
There are no advance bookings for future performances can be made in person after 6:00pm (and between 1:00pm – 2:45pm on matinee days).
Contact details
Phone number: 0844 871 3000
Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge.
Group Bookings: 020 7206 1174
Access Bookings: 0800 912 6972
Stage Door/Admin**:0844 871 3000
*Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge.**General enquiries - not to
Getting There
Given that the Lyceum theatre is in the centre of London, the easiest way to get there is public transport. However, it is also accessible by car. The Lyceum theatre address is:
21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ
- Train: the closest train station in Charing Cross Station which is a 7 minute walk away along the Strand.
- Tube: the nearest tube station is Covent Garden Station which is a 5 minute walk across Covent Garden market. You can also walk from Temple Station, Embankment station, or Charing cross tube station.
- Bus: if you are taking the bus, you can take the 1, 4, 11, 15, 23, 26, 59, 68, 76, 171, 172, 176, 188 and RV1. These buses stop at Aldwych, The Strand and Kingsway which are all a 5 minute walk from the theatre.
- Car: if you decide to drive to the theatre, then you can save up to 50% Q-Park’s Theatreland Parking scheme. In order to take advantage of this deal, simply bring you car parking ticket to the theatre so that it can be validated. The closest Q-Park to the theatre is in China Town, 20 Newport Pl, London, W1D 5QL. Alternatively, the other nearest car parks are London Covent Garden Parking Garage,Parker St, London, WC2B 5NT and NCP Car Park, Shaftesbury Ave, London, WC1A 1JP. However, please be aware that the theatre is within the London congestion zone which costs £11.50 between 7am and 6pm.
Access
If you have any enquiries about access prior to your visit please call 0800 912 6972
The Lyceum theatre provides concessionary tickets for wheelchair users. One carer can also purchase a discounted ticket. For further details on this please called the access number or email Lyceumboxoffice@theambassadors.com.
Getting there
The Lyceum theatre is located on Wellington street and the main entrance is through two large exit doors. There is a door which is clearly marked and to the left of the five main doors which has level access. When you arrive, let the doorman know and he will open the doors for you. The theatre’s main entrance is up 3 steps from street level.
Inside the theatre
Once you are inside the Lyceum theatre, staff are in hand you help you with seat service and also wheelchair transfers. If you do wish to do a wheelchair transfer, please notify the box office before you arrive and bring a companion with you. The Lyceum theatre’s most accessible seats are : Stalls P4,Stalls P42, Stalls ZA5,Stalls ZA8, Stalls ZA13, Stalls ZA36, Stalls ZA39 and Stalls ZA43.
Within the theatre, the Stalls in 12 steps down from the foyer, then 12 steps up to the Royal Circle and further 24 steps up to the Ballroom bar. To reach the Grand Circle, you must climb 83 steps.
Guide Dogs
Guide dogs are welcome in the Lyceum or staff will happily look after them during the performance.
Audio described performances
The Lyceum theatre hold many sign-interpreted performances, captioned performances, Audio described performances and relaxed performances. These are mainly of the Lion King.
Lyceum Theatre History
As one of the oldest theatre venues in the West End, the Lyceum theatre’s origins can be traced back to 1772 where it was used as a room for Society Art Exhibitions. Following this, from 1794 to 1809, the theatre hosted a range of different entertainment. It then served as the English Opera House from 1816 to 1830. Hosting mainly melodrama plays until 1951, it was then converted into a Mecca Ballroom where many famous bands played.
After closing temporarily in 1986, it opened again in 1996 and continued to solely be used for theatrical purposes. Since 1999, the Lyceum theatre has been hosting the Lion King and is likely to continue doing this for the foreseeable future.
