Theatres - Lyceum Theatre

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The Lion King ( Lyceum Theatre ) - Musical

Julie Taymor directs the stage adaptation of Disney's hugely successful animated film, The Lion King. Tim Rice and Elton John's musical which opened in London in October 1999 won six Tony Awards on Broadway, received the Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and has been nominated for eight Olivier Awards. The story: When the young lion prince Simba is born his vicious uncle Scar finds himself pushed back to second in succession to the throne. Scar plans to kill both, King Mufasa and Simba, to pave his way to the throne. The King gets killed, but Simba survives. Made to believe that he bears the blame for his father's death, he leaves the Serengeti kingdom. Please note: strobe lighting is used several times during the performance. Children under 3 will not be admitted, and the show is recommended for children over the age of 5. Children over 3 will be admitted BUT they must have a valid ticket and be able to sit in their own seat quietly throughout the performance. Should they become restless they will be asked to leave the auditorium. Matinees: Wednesday and Saturday 2pm, Sunday 3pm Evenings: Tuesday to Saturday 7.30pm Running time: 2 hours and 45 minutes See the Lion King on London's West End stage. Buy your Lion King musical tickets now online!

Lyceum Theatre

Wellington Street
London WC2E 7RQ

Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
Nearest Bus Stop: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 77A, 91, 139, 176
Nearest Train Station: Charing Cross
Nearest Parking: Charing Cross

The Lyceum is a building of outstanding national importance, architecturally and theatrically. It is also a grade II listed building, originally designed by Samuel Beazley in 1834.

In 1840, Balfe undertook the production of National Opera, but despite its excellent chances of success, this enterprise was a failure.

In 1871, Henry Irving took over the theatre, and with his memorable performance in "The Bells" in that year, the Lyceum entered into a new Lease of life. "The Bells," with Irving as the ghost-haunted burgomaster, played to overflowing houses for 150 nights. His next success was in "Charles I," in the following year, which ran for 180 nights. This was followed by "Hamlet," in which Irving's popularity reached its greatest height. This great actor was associated with the Lyceum for over 25 years and one of his first acts as manager was to engage Ellen Terry for his productions.

The Crewe interior is post-Irving and was intended to be a variety house to compete with the Palace and the London Coliseum but it was not a success in this mode and soon reverted to drama. It was purchased by the LCC in 1939 for demolition in connection with a road improvement, later abandoned.

Leased to Mecca, it became a ballroom. The abolition of the GLC in 1986 led to a period of darkness and uncertainty, during which the London Residuary Body sold a 125-year lease to Brent Walker before transferring the freehold to The Theatres Trust. They eventually negotiated a transfer of Brent Walker's unexpired term to Apollo leisure, who set about works of restoration and improvement. The theatre reopened in 1996 as a home for largescale musicals.