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POINT OF INTEREST

Lyceum Theatre

21 Wellington St., Covent Garden, London, Greater London, WC2E 7RQ

The Lyceum Theatre is one of London’s most well-known performance venues, with roots going back to the 18th century. Bram Stoker famously worked here and found inspiration for the character of Count Dracula, and it has hosted major productions over the years, including Jesus Christ Superstar, and Oklahoma! It’s best known today as the long-running home of The Lion King, which has been playing to packed audiences since the 1990s.

The Basics

Keen-eyed fans ofThe Crown may recognize the theater from the Netflix series. Visit the 2,100-seat Lyceum along with other filming locations, such as Lancaster House and Southwark Cathedral, or opt for a historical tour to learn more about the theater’s unusual past. For a more traditional West End experience, catch a performance ofThe Lion King, which has been playing weekly at the Lyceum since 1999.

Things to Know Before You Go

  • The Lyceum Theatre is a must-see for musical lovers and theater historians.

  • The venue is wheelchair-accessible.

  • Strollers can be checked into the cloakroom for a small fee.

How to Get There

The Lyceum Theatre is about a 10-minute walk from Charing Cross railway station, and a 5-minute walk from Covent Garden tube station (on the Piccadilly line). Several local buses serve the area as well. The nearest Q-Park (car park) is in Chinatown—theater ticket holders get a 50 perfect discount. Avoid driving in central London during the Congestion Charge hours.

When to Get There

The Lyceum stages shows every evening from Tuesday through Saturday, and matinees take place on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you’re looking for a last-minute ticket, a limited number of reduced-cost seats are available directly from the box office every day at opening time.

London’s West End

Located in the heart of London’s Theatreland (aka the West End), the Lyceum is a stone’s throw from other iconic institutions such as the Novello Theatre, Aldwych Theatre, and Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. But if musical theater isn’t your thing, don’t worry—the London Transport Museum, the London Film Museum, and Somerset House are also close by, providing plenty for you to do while your party’s musical fans get their fill of fabulousness.

Ways to explore

If you want to attend a show at The Lyceum Theatre, it’s best to book tickets in advance to secure your preferred seating category. Even though it’s a long-running show, tickets book up fast. Instead of attending a show, some visitors pass by the theater on guided walking tours; these typically showcase the best of the West End and South Bank, including the National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe. Self-guided audio tours are also a more flexible way to learn about the area’s history.

Accessibility

The theater is wheelchair-accessible with lifts to all levels of the theater and an accessible entrance on Wellington Street.

Age limits

Children under 3 years are not permitted.

What to pack

Cold snacks in a plastic container, contactless payment method

What to wear

Closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing with extra layers

Not allowed

Suitcases and large bags, hot food, glass in the theater

Amenities

Bar, cloakroom, restrooms, Wi-Fi

Address

The Lyceum Theatre is located in the heart of London’s West End. Most visitors come here by the London Underground, bus, or train instead of driving. The area is sometimes explored on guided walking tours, too.

Driving

Driving in central London can be stressful. There isn’t a car park on site, but Q-Park (paid parking) is available in Chinatown at 20 Newport Place, W1D 5QL, and is around a 12-minute walk away.

Public transportation

You can get the train or tube (Northern Line) to Charing Cross station, which is around a 7-minute walk away. Also close by, there’s Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) and Leicester Square (Northern Line).

Best times to visit

Consider attending a matinee show (usually at 2:30pm), which often has better ticket availability than evening shows.

Best days to visit

Weekends can get very busy, so come on a weekday (such as Tuesdays through Thursdays) for a quieter experience.

Best months to visit

The popularity with children means school holidays, such as July and August, can be busy. Consider coming in June or September instead.

Special events

Special events take place throughout the year, including storytime sessions for kids and festive activities around Christmas.

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