You are here: Home > Things to Do > What's On > Theatre > Lyric Hammersmith

Lyric Hammersmith 

Hammersmith and Shepherds Bush

If you purchase via visitlondon.com, we may receive commission which supports our work creating jobs for Londoners.

Location

Address
Lyric Square, King St
London
W6 0QL
Telephone:
+44 (0)20 8741 6850

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 

 

Various acclaimed performances have already taken place at the Lyric in 2025, including a bold reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts, a multi-generational drama based on Sathnam Sanghera’s novel Marriage Material, and a new stage adaptation of the celebrated 2016 film Sing Street. 
 

Upcoming shows at the Lyric Hammersmith theatre:   

 
Friendsgiving/The Mending Circle (4 to 13 September): 

 

This double-bill performance kicks off the Lyric’s autumn season. It follows a group of childhood friends who gather for a Thanksgiving dinner, which takes an unexpected turn when one member begins voicing conflicting beliefs and a storm forces the group to confront their divided opinions.  

Browse the best seats and book tickets for Friendsgiving at the Lyric Hammersmith.  

Dracula (11 September to 11 October):  

A thrilling new adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula opens at the Lyric Hammersmith theatre in September. This limited four-week run production sees Mina Harker discover her husband’s journal and old letters, tracing the mysterious story of Count Dracula and his journey to England.  

Browse the best seats and book tickets for Dracula at the Lyric Hammersmith. 

Amici – Our Time (22 to 25 October): 

In celebration of 45 years of the Amici Dance Theatre Company, this groundbreaking new production explores five turbulent decades in the relationship of two men. Expect themes of displacement and division, as stunning dance, live music and circus invites audiences to explore love and identity through a new lens.  

Book tickets for Amici – Our Time at the Lyric Hammersmith.  

Jack and the Beanstalk (15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026): 

Embark on the ultimate family adventure this festive season with Jack and his loyal cow. Watch as Jack trades his cherished companion for a tin of baked beans, setting off a thrilling chain of events that leads to a land of giants. This magical production features chart-topping songs, stunning costumes and spectacular set designs. 

Browse seats and book tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk at the Lyric Hammersmith.  

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 theatre serves as a major cultural hub in London, striving to provide opportunities for children and young people through various workshops and events.  

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 

 

The Lyric Hammersmith has 591 seats spread across three levels. The best seats are in the centre of the Stalls, offering undisturbed views of the stage. The front rows of the Circle and Upper Circle also provide clear views of the stage, while restricted-view seats behind pillars at the sides of the Upper Circle and Dress Circle are often discounted.  

Where is the Lyric Hammersmith?

 

The Lyric Hammersmith is located in the heart of west London on King Street (W6 0QL), which is just a short walk from the Thames and easily accessible to nearby attractions such as The Lost Estate, Natural History Museum and Kew Gardens. 

How to get there:  

  • Underground – The nearest Tube station is Hammersmith (Circle and District, Hammersmith & City and Piccadilly lines), which is just a three-minute walk from the theatre.  

  • Bus – The following buses stop nearby: 27, 110, 190, 218, 267, 306, H91, N9, N266. 

  • Cycle – Hire a Santander Cycles bike and ride direct to the Lyric Hammersmith. Docking stations can be found nearby on Hammersmith Road, Bridge Avenue and Southerton Road.  

    • Is the Lyric Hammersmith accessible? 

     

    The Lyric Hammersmith is fully accessible with elevators connecting visitors to the theatre, as well as the Main House and Studio where classes and activities take place. All productions offer captioned, audio described, British Sign Language (BSL) and relaxed performances. 

    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.  

    Visit London’s top tips for visiting the Lyric Hammersmith 

     

    Be sure to check out The Lyric Bar for cocktails, pizzas and tasty snacks like cheesy garlic bread and hummus with pita. If you’re attending an earlier showing, you can enjoy lighter bites such as toasties and pastries. The bar offers access to the Roof Garden, which is perfect for soaking up the sun on a warm day. There’s also a café on the ground floor which is open until 5pm.  

    Frequently asked questions about the Lyric Hammersmith  

     

    What time does the Lyric Hammersmith box office open?  

     

    The box office at the Lyric Hammersmith is open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. While you can collect your tickets up until the performance begins, it’s worth arriving at least 30 minutes before the show starts.   

    Does the Lyric Hammersmith have a cloakroom? 

     

    The cloakroom at the Lyric is located in the Main Foyer. It’s worth noting that there is a £1 charge per item and large items aren’t recommended due to limited space.  

     

    Is there an age restriction for performance at the Lyric Hammersmith? 


    Age recommendations vary between performances and are outlined on each individual product listing. However, children under 14 must be accompanied by a full-paying adult.  

    Hotels and restaurants nearby the Lyric Hammersmith theatre 

     

    Room2 in Chiswick is a great base for couples with its hand-crafted furnishings by local artists and huge-walk in showers. It’s the world’s first net-zero hometel, featuring solar panels and a roof terrace home to 75,000 bees and stunning wildflowers. In Shepherd’s Bush, The Hoxton makes for a soothing stay with its art deco interiors and Thai-Americana diner. There’s also a superb wraparound bar, perfect for a pre-theatre tipple.  

    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.

    Events at Lyric Hammersmith

    Is Lyric Hammersmith your business?

    Find out how to become a Partner to enhance your listing and access other benefits.

    See Similar

    Need Inspiration For