Lyric Hammersmith

The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is one of London‘s leading producing theatres. After two years of discussions, a theatre opened in 1888 on Bradmore Grove. In 1895, the Lyric opened as the New Lyric Opera House with a performance of Dora, a one-act play. During World War One, audience numbers declined, so to encourage new visitors, the Lyric became a house for touring companies.

In 1949, a production of The Seagull transferred to the West End. That same year, John Gielgud (of Gielgud Theatre fame) directed Richard Burton at this venue.

The Lyric was set to be demolished in 1969, but after a local campaign, the Queen reopened the venue a decade later. In 2018, the Main House was refurbished for the first time in 40 years. Rachel O'Riordan joined as artistic director in February 2019.