Hammersmith's world-renowned theatre is turning 130 years old, and the venue is throwing one big party to celebrate.
The Lyric's birthday show – an evening of songs and favourite scenes from the theatre's history, performed by an all-star cast – is running for one night only, Sunday 19 October.
Book your tickets for A Very Musical Birthday to avoid missing out.
The evening of celebration is all part of the Lyric's work to raise funds to replace their stage lighting. Essential repair work so that the theatre can continue to host live shows for another 130 years.
WIN FREE TICKETS! We have one pair of free tickets for the show to give away.
To enter the ballot, subscribe to our What's On newsletter and email your name and the name of the show to tickets@lbhf.gov.uk
Cllr Sharon Holder, Mayor of H&F, said:
The Lyric Theatre is a treasured part of daily life in H&F – it's where local children experience live theatre for the first time, where hundreds of us watch the pantomime each year, and where residents enjoy surprise nights out with our council funded free first night scheme.
"It's incredible to know how long the Lyric has been entertaining visitors and I can't wait to see what they do next. Supporting the theatre is part of our work to make H&F a stronger, safer and kinder borough."
Famous faces
The evening will be hosted by TV presenter Mel Giedroyc.
Up on stage she'll be joined by Samantha Bond, Clarke Peters, Adjoa Andoh, Victoria Smurfit and Rhashan Stone, to name a few.
Rachel O'Riordan, Artistic Director of the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, said:
Celebrating an 130th birthday is an incredible achievement and we're thrilled to be opening the doors to our historic auditorium to celebrate in style.
"Our beautiful Frank Matcham Main House theatre, which was saved by the local community 50 years ago, inspires everything we do: from the world-class productions on stage to our award-winning work with young people. This event will both celebrate that work with a spectacular one-night-only show and also raise vital funds to upgrade our auditorium for the future. We hope to see you there!"
Another century of drama
If you'd like to support the Lyric's fundraising campaign but can't make the show, there are other ways to donate.
In early October the theatre is hosting an online auction and prize draw, with proceeds going to their lighting fund. From one-of-a-kind memorabilia and behind-the-scenes theatre experiences to grand final tickets – the auction will be packed full of money-can't-buy prizes.
Designed by Frank Matcham
The Lyric opened its Frank Matcham designed auditorium in 1895. The opening performance started with an address from the famous actress, Lille Langtry, and was followed by a performance of a one-act play, Dora. On the 20 July, 1985 The Era newspaper published details of the event and the new design of the theatre:
"The stalls, dress-circle, and upper circle have velvet tip-up chairs, and retiring rooms and saloons are provided. The raised plaster decorations are rich in detail, and the colouring in shades of creams and blues is very tasteful...
"The new stage is much deeper than the old one, and has scene docks on each side […] and everything necessary for the staging of large productions.
"Tonight, Mrs. Langtry will speak an opening address which has been written for the occasion by Mr. Wilton Jones; and Miss Grace Warner will, in the course of the evening, play the principal part in Charles Reade's one act play, Dora."
We are incredibly proud of the Lyric theatre's history and our beautiful theatre.
The exact number of theatres designed by Frank Matcham is unknown, but just over 20 are still standing today. This includes the O2 Shepherds Empire, which also boasts a Blue Plaque in Matcham's honour.
