Lyric Hammersmith
About
The Lyric Hammersmith theatre is a vibrant hub for bold and diverse theatre. With a mission to create boundary-breaking work that is entertaining and eclectic, the theatre spotlights a range of styles and voices.
From large-scale productions in the Main House to intimate shows in the Studio, the Lyric pushes artistic boundaries and challenges expectations. It is recognised as a space that champions emerging and established creatives, making it a crucial part of London’s theatre scene.
Lyric Hammersmith history
The Lyric Hammersmith theatre was originally designed in 1895 by British architect Frank Matcham, who specialised in the design of theatres and music halls. In 1966, the theatre was controversially closed and dismantled to make way for a shopping complex. The decision sparked widespread public outcry, leading to the theatre’s restoration at its current site on King Street, near its original location on Bradmore Grove.
Today, the Lyric boasts two main performance areas: the Main House, a 550-seat auditorium that preserves its 19th-century design and hosts the theatre’s major productions, and the 120-seat Studio, which houses smaller, emerging productions. The Lyric is considered a cultural landmark for its dedication to arts and education, offering a variety of performances for children and showcasing new musical works through its Lyric Children and Lyric Music performances.
What’s on at the Lyric Hammersmith theatre
The Lyric Hammersmith has built a reputation over the years for its versatile and ambitious programme. In 2011, Sean Holmes won the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre for his direction of Blasted.
Other notable productions include Ghosts, first staged in 2015, it made a return in 2025 for the Lyric's 130th anniversary season with a new adaptation celebrating the classic play. Another standout production is Our Country's Good, a gripping tale of power and justice based on Timberlake Wertenbaker's Olivier Award-winning play.
The Lyric Hammersmith is also renowned for its long tradition of pantomimes, involving local talent in its in-house productions. Jack and the Beanstalk is an all-time favourite, combining traditional pantomime with modern entertainment.
To see the Lyric Hammersmith's current and upcoming shows, click the booking button on this page.
Why you should go to the Lyric Hammersmith
The Lyric Hammersmith is known for spotlighting cutting-edge productions, many of which often transfer to the West End such as Bugsy Malone and Ghost Stories.
The Lyric offers various initiatives such as £5 tickets for Young Lyric members, a scheme for young people aged 0-25 who live in one of the 10 west London boroughs.
Don’t miss the theatre’s For the Culture programme, which champions Black British artists through film, visual art, food and theatre.
Lyric Hammersmith seating information
Where is the Lyric Hammersmith?
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Is the Lyric Hammersmith accessible?
The Lyric Hammersmith provides one complimentary carer seat for every full-price access ticket. Wheelchair-accessible seats available in the Stalls, Boxes and the Dress Circle.
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Frequently asked questions about the Lyric Hammersmith
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Hotels and restaurants nearby the Lyric Hammersmith theatre
For food, Flame & Fire delivers with its steak and seafood, while the Cellar at Kindred is an ideal date-night spot. Just a short walk from the river, Crisp Pizza – at The Chancellors pub – is consistently ranked the best in London for its thin base and flavour-packed toppings.